 The Independent Police Oversight Authority (Ipoa) says it is investigating two incidents on Monday where police failed to protect private property in the capital Nairobi.
In a statement, IPOA chairperson Anne Makori revealed that there was a possibility that the police did not execute their mandate in accordance with the law during the Azimio la Umoja—One Kenya Coalition party protests.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), in execution of its mandate under Section 6 (c) of its Act today monitored how the Police engaged in public order management in the protests called for by the Azimio la Umoja—One Kenya Coalition Party across the country,” Ms Makori said.
It is also looking into the shooting allegedly by the police that caused death and injuries in the western city of Kisumu.
“The Authority has noted and taken up four matters for investigations which will seek to establish the level of police compliance with Article 244 of the Constitution, the Public Order Act and any other laws related to public management and the use of force,” she added.
“The matters under investigation include but are not limited to an incident where a man was shot and killed allegedly by police in Kisumu County, an incident where a man was shot and injured allegedly by police in Kisumu County, an incident where a man was shot and injured allegedly by police in Migori County and two incidents in which police failed to provide adequate security to protect private property in Nairobi County.”
Crowds invaded the farm owned by former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s family on the outskirts of the city, stealing sheep and felling trees before setting the farm on fire.
There were no police on sight as the invasion went on during the day, apparently in retaliation for the second of opposition protests.
A gas cylinder factory linked to opposition leader Raila Odinga was also vandalised.
At least one person was shot dead during the protests in Kisumu where the police confronted demonstrators who burned tyres and barricaded roads.
Ipoa has called on the police “to abide by the law in exercising their constitutional function of protection of life and property in line with the [police act]”.
