The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the deaths of two people and the serious injury of three others following a police shooting in Majengo, Shauri Moyo, Nairobi County.
In a statement on Thursday, March 6, IPOA confirmed that an attempted arrest led to an escalation that resulted in the shooting of a young man, triggering protests.
The authority noted that the protests resulted in significant destruction of property, including government buildings and motor vehicles.
"The first incident occurred at approximately 2040 hours on 4th March 2025 near Majengo Social Hall. It involved officers attempting to arrest a young suspect, an action that allegedly attracted other youths in the area. This escalation resulted in the shooting and serious injury of a young man, estimated to be between 17 and 20 years old.
"His subsequent death while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National and Referral Hospital triggered demonstrations in the area on 5th March 2025, leading to further injuries suffered by members of the public and police officers. Further, there was extensive destruction of property including Government buildings and motor vehicles," the statement read.
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IPOA, which is mandated to investigate police misconduct, said that its rapid response and forensic investigations team responded to the incident.
"The Authority’s rapid response and forensic investigations team—accompanied by officers specialized in monitoring police conduct during public order management operations—responded to the incident.
"The team has been tasked with gathering all relevant information to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and assessing how the police handled the demonstrators," the statement added.
IPOA noted that the investigation is ongoing, and they have already recorded key statements and attended one postmortem examination.
"The investigation is ongoing, with the Authority having already recorded key statements, attended one postmortem examination, and scheduled to attend another on 6th March 2025.
"The Authority sends condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wishes a quick recovery to all who suffered injuries. IPOA further calls upon citizens not to take the law in their own hands and to refrain from any acts of lawlessness," the statement further read.
On Wednesday, March 5, the National Police Service (NPS) said an officer linked to the shooting was disarmed and interdicted immediately he was identified as a suspect.
"Upon receipt of the report, the police commenced investigations immediately and identified a police officer suspected of involvement in the incident.
"Necessary action was taken, including disarming and interdicting the officer, as well as notifying the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, in compliance with the law," the statement read.
The NPS assured the public that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Internal Affairs Unit are conducting further investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
"Further open and transparent investigations are being conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Internal Affairs Unit," the statement added.
