The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has issued orders to the National Police Service after mutilated bodies were retrieved at Kware in Mukuru slums, Nairobi.
In a statement on Saturday, July 13, 2024, IPOA directed the National Police Service to expedite investigations and carry out forensics to identify the deceased persons.
“IPOA calls on the National Police Service to take immediate and hastened forensic investigations to identify the deceased persons,” the statement read in part.
According to IPOA, at least nine deceased persons were retrieved at Kware which is less than a hundred meters from Kware Police Station in Embakasi, Nairobi County.
IPOA added that seven deceased persons are believed to be female while two, are males. From their observation, the bodies were found wrapped in bags and secured by nylon ropes.
Their first preliminary observation also established that the bodies had visible marks of torture and mutilation.
Dispatches team to Mukuru
With the accusing finger being pointed at the police, IPOA has dispatched a Rapid Response Team to Kware to help collect relevant information that will be used for investigation.
“Considering that the location of the dumping site is less than a hundred meters from a Police Station, the widespread allegations of police involvement in unlawful arrests, abductions and disappearances, and in line with the provisions of the IPOA Act Section 7(a)(x), which dictates that deaths and injuries suspected to have been occasioned by actions, or inaction of the police shall be investigated by the Authority, a Rapid Response Team was this afternoon dispatched with instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the deaths,” IPOA stated.
The oversight body indicated that it is also carrying out its independent investigation to ascertain whether there was any police involvement in the deaths.
“As the police investigations unfold, IPOA is keenly independently undertaking preliminary inquiries to establish whether there was any police involvement in the deaths, or failure to act to prevent them.
“The facts around these inquiries will determine the next cause of action. The Authority shall not hesitate to make recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution where culpability is found. IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair,” IPOA insisted.
21 Days ultimatum
Meanwhile, The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has directed the office of the Inspector General of the national police service to investigate the case involving the retrieved bodies.
According to the statement read on behalf of the DPP Renson Ingonga the thorough investigation is to be conducted within 21 days and the resultant file is to be forwarded to the DPP for perusal.
“The DPP has directed the office of the Inspector General of the national police service to conduct a thorough investigation and forward the resultant file for perusal within 21 days,” Ingoga said.
“The ODPP is deeply concerned about these reports which point to a great violation of human rights considering that the said dumpsite is only a few metres away from the police station.”