The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the killing of a bodaboda rider who allegedly met his death after an altercation with police.
Through a statement issued by the oversight authority on Friday, August 20, IPOA said it seeks to establish whether the 38-year-old man succumbed to injuries allegedly caused by police while enforcing the 10pm to 4am curfew.
“IPOA today received information on the death of a man at Tushauriane area of Kayole, Nairobi. Pursuant to Section 25 of IPOA Act which requires that deaths that result from police action or are caused by members of the National Police Service while on duty be investigated, the Authority launched investigations into the death today,” IPOA’s chairperson Anne Makori said in a statement.
The investigations by IPOA follows widespread demonstration that took part in Nairobi’s Kayole estate on Thursday.
In her statement, Makori assured Kenyans that her office will ensure the officers face appropriate action if they are found culpable adding that the agency is committed to being independent, impartial and fair.
According to witnesses, the bodaboda rider was rushing home when police allegedly arrested him.
Esther Wanjiru, the widow to the deceased said her husband called her shortly after midnight and informed her that he had been assaulted by police.
“I did not hear from him again only for his body to be found this morning,” Wanjiru said.