The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced that it has launched investigations into the fatal shootings of protestors in Parliament and Githurai.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 2, IPOA said it is investigating 39 deaths, 150 serious injuries, and 7 abductions across the country.
The authority noted that 11 deaths have been confirmed from the Parliament shooting and has requested relevant police documentation, recorded critical witness accounts, issued summons to police officers, attended post-mortem, and obtained post-mortem reports for 6 victims.
“IPOA launched investigations into the fatal shooting and serious injury of protestors following demonstrations in the Nairobi CBD including the National Assembly on 25th June 2024. Arising from this, a total of 11 deaths have been confirmed,” read the statement in part.
IPOA noted that it is awaiting the completion of post-mortem for the remaining victims, expert reports, and recording more witness accounts.
Read More
In Githurai, the authority said it has commenced investigations into the death of Andrew Mwawasi and the shooting of five-year-old Gianna Merkel Obonyo who was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital and was treated and discharged.
“Following allegations of shooting incident in Githurai on the night of 25th June 2024, IPOA commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of one Andrew Mwawasi. Separately, 5-year-old Gianna Merkel Obonyo was discovered with a bullet lodged in his chest and taken to KNH hospital where he has since been treated and discharged,” IPOA stated.
The authority also announced it is investigating the death of 12-year-old Master Kennedy Onyango who was shot by police officers during protests in Ongata Rongai on June 27.
“Besides this, IPOA is also investigating deaths and serious injuries across the counties where demonstrations occurred and the arbitrary arrests and detaining of persons by Police beyond the 24-hour rule contrary to Article 49(1)(f) of COK 2010,” IPOA added.
IPOA further called on members of the public who witnessed the shooting incidents and have possession of videographic or photographic materials to share with the authority.
