The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the shooting of a man who residents claim was hit nine times by police officers during patrol, sparking protests and renewed calls against alleged police brutality.
Residents of Mjini slum in North Imenti demonstrated in Meru town demanding justice for the man, who is admitted to Kiirua Mission Hospital in critical condition after the incident.
According to witnesses, the victim was chewing miraa with friends at a local miraa joint when two police officers arrived in a government Land Cruiser and opened fire.
“We were seated together when two police officers arrived in a government Land Cruiser, commonly known as ‘Gioko’. Within moments they shot him nine times in the legs. He is admitted at Kiirua Mission Hospital and we have been told that if the remaining bullet is removed, he could be left paralysed. This is brutality of the highest order,” said resident Razack Mbogori.
Mbogori said the victim is a Meru-Maua matatu driver with no known criminal record, adding that officers should have arrested him if they suspected he had committed an offence.
Another resident, Jamar Adam, questioned the officers’ actions, saying, “As Mjini residents, we are demanding justice. We cannot allow such incidents to continue. The officers involved must be investigated and prosecuted if found culpable. Why didn’t they arrest him instead of shooting him?”
IPOA’s Meru Regional Coordinator Walton Ndieki confirmed the authority had received a formal complaint and had begun investigations in collaboration with the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“We have received the complaint and investigations are underway. We urge members of the public to cooperate with our investigators by providing any information that may assist in establishing what happened,” Ndieki said.
Meru County Commissioner George Omolo appealed for calm, assuring residents that the matter was under investigation.
North Imenti Sub-County Police Commander Ambrose Kyalo said preliminary findings indicated the victim was struck by rubber bullets, which he said are less-lethal projectiles primarily used for crowd control.
“Police are meant to protect residents, not harm them. I visited the scene and ensured the victim was taken to hospital immediately. We have preliminary information, and because this type of firearm is not ordinarily used against members of the public, investigations must establish those responsible. One or two officers cannot damage the reputation of the entire service. We ask the public to cooperate so justice can be served,” Kyalo said.
No officer had been arrested by the time of publication as investigations continued.
Edited by John Majau
