IPOA Launches Investigation into Fatal Nyeri Police Shooting

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has opened investigations into a shooting in Karatina, Nyeri County, following a late-night confrontation between a patrol team and a member of the public on Saturday night. According to Ipoa, the incident occurred at around 11:00 p.m. when a police officer allegedly shot and killed George Gathu Matheri during what authorities described as a brief confrontation with officers on patrol. The officer suspected to have fired the fatal shot has since been arrested and detained pending arraignment. News of the shooting triggered unrest in Karatina, with residents blocking the Nairobi–Karatina highway, vandalising property, and paralysing traffic as tensions escalated in the town. Ipoa said it had dispatched a Rapid Response Team to secure the scene, gather evidence, and conduct forensic and ballistic analyses to determine what transpired. “We have taken control of the scene and commenced investigations to establish the circumstances around this unfortunate incident. We are appealing to any witnesses who may have seen what happened to come forward with information,” the Authority said. In the statement, Ipoa extended condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring them of an independent process. “We convey our sympathies to the family of Mr. Matheri and assure the public that every effort is being made to achieve justice. The Authority remains committed to independence, impartiality, and fairness,” Ipoa added. This comes days after Ipoa launched investigations into an incident in Nandi Hills where police officers were allegedly captured on camera assaulting a group of young men playing pool. The video, which circulated widely on social media this week, is timestamped January 10, 2026, at approximately 11:50 pm. In a statement on Friday, Ipoa said it had reviewed the footage and deployed a Rapid Investigations Team to establish the facts. “The video appears to show several police officers entering a room where young men were playing pool and subsequently subjecting them to physical assault,” Ipoa Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said. He added that investigators had already made progress. “So far, the Authority has established that the incident occurred on January 10, 2026, within Nandi Hills Town, and affected other establishments, including bars and hotels. Several victims and witnesses have been identified and contacted,” Hassan said. Ipoa condemned the conduct shown in the video, describing it as a violation of police procedures and constitutional protections. “The Authority condemns any use of unnecessary and unwarranted force in policing,” the statement read. Hassan also urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue. “Ipoa reaffirms its commitment to impartial inquiries and the promotion of accountability and professionalism within the National Police Service,” he said. The Authority noted that no formal complaint had been lodged prior to the video surfacing and encouraged citizens to report such incidents promptly.