IPOA Probes 6 Deaths In Nakuru Fuel Price Protest Crackdown
The investigations form part of a wider inquiry into fatalities reported during the May 18 protests, which erupted in several parts of the country over increased fuel prices and the resulting economic pressure on households and businesses.
By Staff Writer
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into at least six deaths reported in Nakuru County during demonstrations against rising fuel prices, as the police watchdog intensifies scrutiny of security operations carried out during the nationwide protests.
In a statement, IPOA said it is investigating the deaths of Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, as well as the fatal shootings of James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji and Solomon in Molo. The authority is also investigating the fatal shooting of an unidentified person in Mwariki, Nakuru.
The investigations form part of a wider inquiry into fatalities reported during the May 18 protests, which erupted in several parts of the country over increased fuel prices and the resulting economic pressure on households and businesses.
While IPOA did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding each of the Nakuru deaths, the authority said the incidents are among several cases under active investigation arising from the demonstrations.
The latest disclosure places Nakuru County at the centre of ongoing efforts to establish what transpired during the protests, which were marked by confrontations between demonstrators and security officers in some areas.
IPOA said its investigations are aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the deaths and assessing compliance with legal and constitutional standards governing public order management operations.
“IPOA remains committed to promoting police accountability, protecting human rights, and ensuring adherence to constitutional policing standards during public order management operations,” said IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi.
The authority’s statement comes amid growing public interest in the handling of the protests, which left several people dead in different parts of the country and prompted calls for accountability from families and rights groups.
Beyond Nakuru, IPOA is investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu in Kiambu County. Preliminary findings indicate that Karuu sustained a gunshot wound while participating in demonstrations in Mburerie, Kiambu Town, on May 18.
The authority said investigators obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business premises and are examining witness accounts as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It added that investigations are focusing on the legality and proportionality of the force used during the demonstrations, as well as questions of command responsibility.
IPOA is also investigating the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e, who died while in custody at Kiambu Police Station on May 21. According to the authority, a post-mortem examination established the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation, with suicide confirmed.
As investigations continue, IPOA said it will periodically provide updates on the progress of the cases and assured the public that all inquiries are being conducted independently, impartially and in accordance with the law.
The authority noted that police officers were also injured during the protests and that property of unknown value was damaged in several locations. It urged members of the public to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and within the confines of the law.
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