The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the alleged failure of the police to protect properties owned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement, IPOA chairperson Anne Makori revealed that there was a possibility that the police did not execute their mandate in accordance with the law during the Azimio la Umoja—One Kenya Coalition party protests.
"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), in execution of its mandate under Section 6 (c) of its Act today monitored how the Police engaged in public order management in the protests called for by the Azimio la Umoja—One Kenya Coalition Party across the country," Ms Makori said.
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The authority is investigating three shooting incidences in Kisumu and Migori, which led to the loss of two lives and injury to one protestor.
"The Authority has noted and taken up four matters for investigations which will seek to establish the level of police compliance with Article 244 of the Constitution, the Public Order Act and any other laws related to public management and the use of force," she added.
"The matters under investigation include but are not limited to an incident where a man was shot and killed allegedly by police in Kisumu County, an incident where a man was shot and injured allegedly by police in Kisumu County, an incident where a man was shot and injured allegedly by police in Migori County and two incidents in which police failed to provide adequate security to protect private property in Nairobi County."
IPOA's promise
Ms Makori says that IPOA monitors will remain deployed on the ground to ensure accountability by the National Police Service officers.
"The Authority strongly calls upon the police to abide by the law in exercising their constitutional function of protection of life and property in line with the National Police Service Act, Section 24 (d)," she added.
On Monday, during the Azimio demos, unknown persons invaded former Presidents Jomo and Uhuru Kenyatta's farm in Ruiru, destroyed property and looted the farm.
The gang invaded the multi-billion property well-armed with machetes and power saws before they began to cut down eucalyptus trees and carted away sheep grazing after accessing the land from Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass.
Similar attacks were witnessed at opposition leader Raila Odinga's East Africa Spectre Limited, a gas plant situated along Mombasa Road.
