By Peter Ochieng
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has issued a statement on two incidences touching on its mandate, which occurred during the weekend.
In a statement signed by IPOA chairperson Anne Makori, the Authority said investigations have been initiated into the tragic death of a minor who was in police custody, at the Kambuu Police Station, in Makueni county.
IPOA officers, Makori said have visited the scene, with investigations aimed at understanding the circumstances leading to the minor’s death.
The child’s mother, Zipporah Mutheu had been detained at the station. “Upon completion of investigation, and where criminal culpability is proven, IPOA will recommend prosecution,” said Makori.
Likewise, the Authority condemned an incident where a motorist assaulted a police officer in Kasarani, Nairobi on Sunday.
The officer, Corporal Jacob Ogendo, was on traffic management duties along Kamiti Road in Kasarani when he was attacked by a 19-year-old teenager.
“IPOA urges Kenyans who feel disgruntled about police services or police officers to lodge their complaints with the Authority for investigations through the tollfree number 1559 instead of resorting to attacking the police,” said the chair.
The suspect was filmed beating up a traffic policeman on a road. In a video that has been widely shared, he is seen attacking the policeman with punches and kicks to the head even after the officer falls to the ground.
The suspect escaped from the scene, after members of public volunteered to assist police in arresting him. He has however been arrested.
The suspect who has since been identified as Ian Njoroge, claimed he decided to fight back after the officer in question demanded for a huge bribe from him.
“I was just angry. We were not understanding each other because he wanted a lot of money which I could not get.”