The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has made significant progress in bringing to book police officers accused of excesses during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
In the latest move, IPOA officials engaged with the families of victims of police excesses on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
During the meeting, IPOA recorded fresh statements from the families of the victims.
According to IPOA, some witnesses also recorded statements which will help the authority to get to the bottom of the matter.
“IPOA this morning received and engaged family members of some of the victims of police excesses that occurred during the anti-finance Bill protests. Accompanying them were witnesses who provided recorded statements with the Authority,” the authority stated.
IPOA assurance
Addressing the press after the meeting, IPOA chairperson Anne Makori emphasised that new statements will give them a shot in the arm in their bid to prosecute those found culpable.
“She further reaffirmed IPOA’s commitment to a comprehensive inquiry and assured the families that all protest-related cases will be completed as expeditiously as possible and appropriate recommendations made to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
“Additionally, IPOA addressed all inquiries from the media concerning its investigative processes and all other operations,” IPOA’s statement added.
Hurdles in Rex shooting
Rex Masai Kanyike was among the first victims of police excesses during the Anti-Finance Bill 2024. IPOA has been pleading with the public to share information to help them prosecute the officer who pulled the trigger.
However, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Renson Ingonga stated that the authority the key witness has not come forward in regards to Rex’s shooting incident.
Further, Ingonga added that the CCTV footage obtained by the detectives is not clear to nab the cop who pulled the trigger.
“I call upon any person with information pertaining to this case especially the witnesses who took the deceased to the hospital and those who witnessed the shooting to come and record a statement with IPOA,” DPP stated.
“Investigations show that the cause of death was identified as multiple organ injuries due to blunt force trauma. No person has recorded any statement regarding the incident of the deceased being assaulted,” the DPP noted while urging witnesses in the case to come out and testify.
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