IPOA Launches Probe into Karatina Police Officer Shooting Incident

The Independent Policing Authority (IPOA) has confirmed the arrest of one police officer who allegedly shot one man in Nyeri on Sunday, January 18. In a statement on Monday, January 19, the authority's chairperson, Ahmed Issack, said that the man was allegedly shot on Sunday night following a brief confrontation with the officer who was on patrol in Karatina town. The officer is attached to the Karatina Police station. The authority said it has dispatched a Rapid Response Team from its regional office to begin investigations and collect all relevant details to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officers from the authority have secured the scene, with forensic and ballistic examinations already underway as investigators review the findings for additional evidence. Photo NPS "Following the man's death, heightened tension in the area where the residents barricaded the Nairobi- Karatina highway and paralysed the smooth flow of traffic, as well as vandalising property of unknown value," IPOA stated. "In addition, IPOA condeloes with the family and appeals to the public to be calm. Lastly, IPOA assured the public that all efforts are being made to achieve justice for the family of the deceased," it added. Authorities have further urged any person who witnessed the incident to present themselves and give any information that may aid in the ongoing investigations. The incident comes amid the rising cases of police brutality in the country. Two days ago, authority deployed another investigative team in Nandi Hills after a surveillance video showed police officers assaulting young men at a pool hall. The video, which was taken at approximately 11:50pm on January 10, showed several officers entering a pool table, forcing about 12 young men to the floor, and assaulting them with batons. Audio from the CCTV also captured officers demanding identification before escalating the brutality. In a statement on Friday, January 16, the team will be tasked with piecing together the sequence of events assess the conduct of officers involved, and determining any culpability in line with IPOA regulations. The authority confirmed that several individual who witnessed the incident have also been summoned to provide their statements to the ongoing statements.