The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the alleged shooting of a man by police officers in North Imenti sub county, Meru County, an incident that triggered protests by residents demanding justice and renewed calls to end police brutality.
Residents of Mjini slum in North Imenti staged demonstrations in Meru town after the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the incident. The man is currently admitted at Kiirua Mission Hospital in a critical condition, where he is receiving treatment.
Witnesses alleged that the victim was chewing miraa with friends at a local miraa base when two police officers arrived in a government Land Cruiser, commonly referred to as “Gioko”, before opening fire.
Speaking during the protests, Razack Mbogori aresident claimed the victim was shot several times in the legs without any attempt to arrest him.
“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 bullets are not removed, he could be left paralysed. This is brutality of the highest order,” said Mbogori.
Mbogori described the victim as a Meru-Maua matatu driver with no known criminal record, arguing that if the officers suspected him of committing an offence, they should have arrested him and allowed the law to take its course instead of resorting to the use of force.
Another resident, Jamar Adam, called for swift investigations and prosecution of the officers involved.
“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?” Adam asked.
IPOA Meru Regional Coordinator Walton Ndieki confirmed that the authority had received a formal complaint and had commenced investigations in collaboration with the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“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 to residents to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed without interference, assuring them that the matter would be handled transparently.
North Imenti Sub-County Police Commander Ambrose Kyalo said preliminary findings indicated that the victim was struck by rubber bullets, which he described as less-lethal projectile mainly 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.
He added that police officers are expected to uphold the law and protect lives, noting that anyone found to have acted outside the law would face the due process of justice.
By Muguongo Judy
