The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the death of four people allegedly killed by police during a protest in Masimba, Kajiado County, on Thursday, June 2, 2022.
The police allegedly opened fire on the members of the public who were protesting the increase in human-wildlife conflict in the area, claiming the four lives.
In a statement to newsrooms on Friday, IPOA indicated that a special team has been deployed to the area to get to the bottom of the matter.
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“A Rapid Response Team was this morning 3rd June 2022 dispatched with instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the incident,” IPOA said.
We are investigating deaths of four pleople and injuries to others during a shooting incident at Masimba ^MF pic.twitter.com/ESpbqB69Bs— IPOA (@IPOA_KE) June 3, 2022
During the Thursday incident, three other people were left with serious injuries as they protested the killing of a female teacher from Mashuru Sub-County by a stray elephant.
The demonstrators wanted to be heard by the local authorities including officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Three of those shot dead succumbed to the gunshot wounds at the scene while one died while receiving treatment at Makindu Hospital.
IPOA's Mandate
Reports from the police indicate that the peaceful demonstrations turned ugly after the protestors started throwing stones at the GSU Lorry which was headed in the Mombasa direction.
Section 7 (a) (x) of the IPOA Act dictates for investigations be conducted in incidences where actions by the police cause death or injuries.
Last week, IPOA cleared two cops who had been accused of murder in a separate incident in Isiolo.
In a shooting incident that occurred on April 15, 2019, two men (riders) were shot and injured at Merti, Isiolo County where they were found transporting bhang.
In a statement to IPOA, one of the riders indicated that they had been carrying 85 kilograms of the drug and had got it from a dealer in Moyale.
IPOA in its investigations found out that the police were justified to use their firearms after the suspects resisted arrest.
“That the police officers were justified to shoot with an aim of immobilizing the escaping suspects who were transporting narcotic drugs,” IPOA said in a statement.
