The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched probe after police officers allegedly killed two suspects in Murang'a County.
In a statement on Monday, March 13, IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori said initial investigations have revealed that police officers were involved in the killing.
"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has learnt of a shooting in Murang’a County during which two men were fatally wounded on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
"Section 25 (1) of IPOA Act, demands that 'the authority shall investigate any death or serious injury including death or serious injury while in police custody, which are the result of police action or were caused by members of the Service while on duty.'
"The authority launched investigations immediately and has since established police action was an ingredient that resulted in the loss of lives," Makori said.
Murang'a police boss
The authority further said the Murang’a County Commander Ali Nuno has since notified the IPOA’s regional office in Nyeri, of the incident.
"This is in line with the provisions of the NPS Act, Sixth Schedule, that any death be reported to IPOA within 24 hours.
"Our Coordinator in Central Region has further engaged the Regional Police Commander – Ms. Lydia Ligami - with the aim of ensuring that the dictates of the law, regarding this investigation, are adhered to.
"Further, IPOA has dispatched a Rapid Response Team from Nairobi, to beef up our Nyeri regional investigators," she stated.
Makori added: "Upon conclusion of its investigations, the Authority shall take appropriate action including recommending to the Director of Public Prosecutions the prosecution of any person found culpable.
"In all its investigations, IPOA is impartial, fair, and transparent."
The two were part of six suspects who allegedly robbed Unaitas Sacco branch in Mununga trading centre on Saturday, March 11.
Police in a statement had earlier claimed the two engaged the officers in gunfire before they were overpowered.
"The operation was progressing in Kinyona Forest where at around 0900 hours, the officers sighted two men in civilian clothes armed with G3 and AK47 rifles and also carrying a bag.
“In the process, an exchange ensued and the two suspects were fatally injured and a recovery of G3A3 s/no J61009 loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm of ammunition robbed off from an officer manning Unaitas Sacco Mununga branch was recovered," the statement read in part.
A picture later emerged showing the two subdued with their hands tied together and it was not clear when they escaped and engaged the officers in the gunfire exchange.
