Student Raptured Foot - IPOA Reveals After Multimedia University Police Video Goes Viral

Multimedia University student
A screengrab of a student who was allegedly roughed up by the police

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority(IPOA) on Wednesday revealed that investigations were underway against police officers captured on video using excessive force against a Multimedia University student during Tuesday's protests.

Preliminary findings of the IPOA investigations indicated that a teargas canister that was thrown by the police inside one of the ladies' hostels blew off resulting in an inferno before the university staff put it off.

IPOA further indicated that the student in the video, whose identity was established, raptured his leg after he was tortured and left near a teargas canister that exploded.

‘’The Authority established that police lobbed a teargas canister in a girls' hostel which exploded and caused an inferno. The fire was later put off by university staff. 

Multimedia University students stage demonstrations along Magadi Road in Rongai, Nairobi
Multimedia University students stage demonstrations along Magadi Road in Rongai, Nairobi
Photo
Mkenya Mzalendo

"Upon conclusion of the investigation, IPOA will recommend action, including but not limited to prosecution of officers if culpability is established,’’ the statement from IPOA read in part.

The authority further revealed that it had already instituted investigations into the matter following the injuries reports

"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority yesterday, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, instituted investigations following demonstrations by students at Multimedia University where initial reports indicate learners were injured,’’ added the statement.

" Rapid Response Team was dispatched to the varsity and among other instructions, to establish the veracity of a video clip widely shared on social media, depicting a youth being assaulted by police officers."

During the demonstrations organised by the students to protest the negligence of the management of the university by failing to institute proper hygienic conditions, incidents of police excessive force were reported with videos circulating of a student being manhandled by some officers in helmets and riot gear.

Efforts by the student to request the officers to spare him were met with futility as the officers continued with malice on him.

The officers could later be seen throwing a tear gas canister next to him that exploded. All through, the policemen continued pushing him to the ground before walking away.

Other students whose voices could be heard in the video shouted in moderated tones in fear of victimisation.

Multimedia University students stage demonstrations along the Magadi road on February 6, 2024
Multimedia University students stage demonstrations along the Magadi road on February 6, 2024
Kenyans.co.ke
  • .