The authority revealed that this was among 39 deaths, 150 serious injuries, and 7 abductions across the country that it is actively investigating.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Tuesday, July 2 announced that it launched investigations into the alleged shooting incident in Githurai on the night of Tuesday, June 25.
The authority revealed that this was among 39 deaths, 150 serious injuries, and 7 abductions across the country that it is actively investigating.
Among cases of police brutality that are also under investigation include those meted out to the likes of Rex Masai, Evans Kiratu and the 12-year-old boy from Rongai.
According to IPOA, 11 deaths have been confirmed from the Parliament shooting and a request has been made for relevant police documentation as IPOA recorded critical witness accounts, issued summons to police officers, attended post-mortem, and obtained post-mortem reports for six victims.
Collage of the late Rex Kanyike Masai and a plain clothes police officer opening fire at protesters on June 20, 2024. /VIRAL TEA KE
The Authority also disclosed it was investigating serious injuries caused to protestors and the arbitrary arrests and detaining of persons by Police beyond the 24-hour rule.
“IPOA launched investigations into the fatal shooting and serious injury of protestors following demonstrations in the Nairobi CBD including the National Assembly on 25th June 2024. Arising from this, a total of 11 deaths have been confirmed,” read the statement in part.
Police were also put on the spot regarding their conduct in handling the protestors who stormed critical government and private infrastructures such as the Parliament, Supreme Court building, City Hall and Uganda House.
In Githurai, the authority said it commenced investigations into the death of Andrew Mwawasi and the shooting of five-year-old Gianna Merkel Obonyo who was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and was treated and discharged.
“Following allegations of a shooting incident in Githurai on the night of 25th June 2024, IPOA commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of one Andrew Mwawasi. Separately, 5-year-old Gianna Merkel Obonyo was discovered with a bullet lodged in his chest and taken to KNH hospital where he has since been treated and discharged,” IPOA stated.
The authority also announced it is investigating the death of 12-year-old Master Kennedy Onyango who was shot by police officers during protests in Ongata Rongai on June 27.
IPOA further revealed that it would oversee the conduct of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in handling the protestors following their deployment in the 47 counties.
“The Authority is seized of the KDF deployment in support of the NPS in line with Article 241(3)(b) of COK and Section 33, 34, 35, of the KDF Act,” the Authority affirmed.
In a bid to hasten the probe into police misconduct, IPOA called on Kenyans who could have witnessed or obtained footage of police shootings to submit them to the Authority.
The Authority assures citizens of utmost confidentiality for any material and information shared.
“The arrests and arraignment in Court of suspect police officers is subject to the conclusion of investigations and forwarding of the Authority’s recommendations to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as provided by Section 7(1)(a)(ix) of the IPOA Act.
“The decision to charge lies with the Director of Public Prosecutions,” IPOA also stated.
KDF officers on patrol in Nairobi CBD. /LARRY MADOWO