By Bonface Mulyungi

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered the recall of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in Ishiara, Embu County, as investigations continue into the fatal shooting of two people during protests over healthcare services.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Police Service (NPS) said the move was part of measures to ensure a fair, transparent and impartial probe into the incident that occurred on April 14 in Mbeere North sub-county.

The service said a special team of detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters has already been dispatched to conduct thorough and in-depth investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shootings.

“The Inspector General wishes to assure the public that accountability for this incident must be exercised and the Service shall give maximum cooperation to the independent oversight body,” NPS stated.

“Further, and to allow for fair, transparent and impartial investigations, the Inspector General National Police Service (IG-NPS) has directed for the immediate recall of the Officer Commanding Station for the affected area.

“Authorities have appealed to residents of Evurore and surrounding areas to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed without interference.

Police have also called on members of the public with any information that could aid the investigations to report to the nearest police station, contact law enforcement officers, or use toll-free numbers including 999 and 911.

Information can also be shared anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform.

“The National Police Service remains committed to getting to the bottom of this tragic incident and assures the public of its steadfastness to the rule of law,” NPS said.At the same time, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a parallel inquiry.