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IPOA confirms arrest of police officer after shooting incident in Karatina
19th January, 2026 03:49 PM
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPO) has confirmed the arrest of a police officer following a shooting incident that left one person dead in Karatina.
A statement released by IPOA detailed that the incident happened on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at around 11 pm.
“During the incident which happened at around 2300 hours on January 18, 2026, Mr George Gathu Matheri was fatally shot following a brief confrontation with police officers who were on patrol in Karatina town. The police officer suspected to have shot the late Mr Matheri has so far been arrested and detained for further processing to be arraigned in court,” IPOA stated.
Following Matheri’s death, heightened tension was reported in the area as angry residents took to the streets in protest.
Transport along the busy Nairobi-Karatina highway was disrupted as residents blocked the road and lit bonfires.
“Local residents barricaded the Nairobi-Karatina highway and paralysed the smooth flow of traffic as well as vandalising property of unknown value,” the statement read in part.
According to the statement, IPOA has seized the scene and collected crucial evidence for forensic and ballistic analysis.
“IPOA has already dispatched a Rapid Response Team from the Nyeri Regional Office to commence investigation and gather all relevant information to establish the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident,” IPOA added.
The Authority assured the public that all efforts are being made to achieve justice for the family of the deceased.
The incident comes just a few days after police officers from Nandi Hills Police Station found themselves on the spot following an assault incident that was captured on camera.
The assault reportedly occurred on January 10, 2026, with the CCTV footage of the incident showing a young man being assaulted near a pool table inside the station.
The video went viral, sparking outrage, with politicians and human rights activists demanding swift action.
The National Police Service released a statement condemning the incident and promising to take action.
“The National Police Service is appalled by what has been depicted and unequivocally condemns such barbaric behaviour, which has no place in a civilised society,” the statement read.
The statement, which was signed by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, noted that the actions portrayed constitute a clear violation of the National Police Service Act, the Code of Conduct for Police Officers, and fundamental principles of human rights and dignity.
