IPOA investigating mysterious death of minor inside police station in Makueni
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a probe into the mysterious death of a minor at Kambuu Police Station located in Makueni County.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 3, 2024, IPOA said that the incident which occurred on Friday, May 31, 2024, is being investigated in accordance with Section 6(a) of Cap.86 of the Laws of Kenya.
IPOA said the minor's mother, Zipporah Mutheu, was being held at the station at the time of the incident. IPOA officers have since visited the scene and conducted interviews with several witnesses.
"On Friday 31, May 2024, and pursuant to Sections 6(a) of Cap.86 of the Laws of Kenya, IPOA on its own motion launched investigations into the death of a minor at the Kambuu Police Station in Makueni County, where his mother, Zipporah Mutheu had been detained. IPOA officers have also visited the scene and have so far interviewed a number of witnesses. Upon completion of investigations and where criminal culpability is proven, IPOA will recommend prosecution," IPOA said in a statement.
IPOA condemns attack on police
IPOA has also voiced its concerns regarding the attack on a police officer that occurred in Kasarani, Nairobi County, on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
The authority said Corporal Jacob Ogendo, who was on traffic management duties along Kamiti Road, was attacked by a motorist while attempting to make an arrest.
IPOA expressed concern over the assault, noting that the suspects involved are currently in police custody.
"IPOA strongly condemns such attacks, noting that they interrupt the provision of security services, strip the public of policing services, exacerbate disregard for the rule of law, and inconvenience Kenyans of their constitutional right to enjoy quality policing services," IPOA said.
The authority also urged Kenyans who have grievances against police services or officers to report their complaints to IPOA through the toll-free number 1559, rather than resorting to violence.
"IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial, and fair," emphasized Anne Makori, Chairperson of IPOA.
The authority reiterated the conditions under which police officers are permitted to use force, as per the National Police Service (NPS) Act and Service Standing Orders.
Officers are instructed to prioritize non-violent means and ensure that any use of force is proportional to the situation at hand.
Any use of force resulting in injury must be followed by immediate medical assistance, and any use of force leading to serious injury or death must be reported to IPOA immediately. Failing to do so is considered a criminal offence.
"A police officer who uses any form of force shall immediately report to his or her superior. Any use of force that leads to death, serious injury, and other grave consequences shall be reported immediately to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. It shall be a disciplinary offence for a police officer to fail to report in accordance with these regulations," IPOA said.
The authority also stressed that police officers in uniform must display a nametag or identifiable service number visible on their uniforms at all times.
"A police officer in uniform shall at all times affix a nametag or identifiable Service number in a clearly visible part of the uniform. Following the orders of a superior is no excuse for unlawful use of force," IPOA stated.
IPOA's statement on the death of a minor in police custody in Makueni County and the assault of a police officer in Kasarani, Nairobi County #GuardingPublicInterestInPolicing #PoliceAccountability ^SC pic.twitter.com/HhBQkClHUU— IPOA (@IPOA_KE) June 3, 2024
