Update: The Independent Policing Oversight Authority on Wednesday, August 25 intervened on the reports that a man was shot dead during violent protests that rocked Kahawa West.
IPOA through a statement released to the media stated that they will seek to establish whether the death falls within the Authority's mandate of holding police accountable for their actions.
The agency also through investigation will seek to find out whether the deceased succumbed to injuries allegedly caused by police officers enforcing curfew.
IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori further noted that she dispatched a Monitoring Team to observe how the police conducted the management of the protests.
Two people have been shot dead in Nairobi's Kahawa West area during a demonstration by traders who were protesting the demolition of their stalls by the county government.
The demonstrations turned violet forcing police to fire in the air to disperse the traders.
According to videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the angry youths are seen protesting while carrying the body of the person reportedly shot by the police.
A resident who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke confirmed the incident stating that the stalls were brought down in the middle of the night to pave way for planned road expansion in the area.
"The youth took to the streets lighting bonfires and barricading roads protesting the demolitions of their stalls to pave way for road maintenance. Hundreds of people had their business in the area. The demolitions has hurt them," the resident told Kenyans.co.ke.
Kasarani OCPD, Peter Mwanzo, confirmed the protests stating the police moved in to restore order.
By the time of going to press, the youth were still engaging police in running battles, paralyzing transport, and other activities in the area.
On Thursday, August 19, similar protests rocked Kayole area in Nairobi after one person was reportedly shot dead for violating the curfew regulations.
Reports indicated that the victim was riding a boda boda home when police officers apprehended him. In the scuffle that ensued, the rider of the motorbike escaped narrowly.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority on Thursday, August 19, intervened on the case promising to take action.
“IPOA, today (Wednesday) 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, stated in a statement.
