The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) shared updates regarding investigations arising from the May 18 fuel protests.
In a statement, IPOA shed light on the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e, who was detained at Kiambu Police Station on May 21 at 11pm over a suspected theft case.
According to IPOA, at around 11:52 pm, Brian’s body was discovered hanging inside one of the police cells using a matress cover.
Upon investigation, IPOA established the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation, with suicide confirmed.
“Preliminary review of the scene and custodial records did not reveal visible extermal injuries on the body.
Investigations remain ongoing to determine the adequacy of custodial supervision and compliance with detention procedures at the station.”
Furthermore, IPOA shared on the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during fuel price protests in Mburerie area, Kiambu County.
In the statement, IPOA reported that on May 18, Karuu was among protesters when he sustained a gunshot injury near Full Gospel Churches of Kenya. He was later rushed to Radiant Hospital, where he received first aid, but lost his life 40 minutes later.
Investigators processed and documented the scene and obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business premises.
Preliminary witness accounts indicate involvement of a single armed officer believed to have been dressed in Kenya Prisons Service uniform.
From the post-moterm examination, IPOA established that Karuu sustained a single gunshot wound with associated intemal injuries, including a ruptured lung and fractured ribs.
The Authority further stated that it is investigating the deaths of Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, alongside the fatal shootings of James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji, and Solomon in Molo, as well as an unidentified individual in Mwariki, Nakuru County.
IPOA condemned the destruction pf property during protests, urging citizens to conduct themselves within the confines of the law to avoid turning peaceful protests into situations of suffering and disruption of socio economic activities.
“IPOA remains committed to promoting police accountability, protecting human rights, and ensuring adherence to constitutional policing standards during public order management operation.”
