Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) expressed sympathy and unwavering support for two police officers who were attacked on Wednesday, December 21, by al-Shabaab militants in Northern Kenya.
One police officer was killed while the other is still recuperating at the hospital where he was transferred by his colleagues who responded to their distress calls.
IPOA noted that the inhuman act was staged against Galmagalla Police Station vehicle in Bura East Subcounty, Garissa County.
Issuing a statement on Thursday, December 22, IPOA condemned the heinous act, terming it cowardly and wildly.
"The Authority sends condolences to the Inspector General of Police, all the members of the National Police Service, families and friends of those who lost their lives in the fatal attack," the condoling message stated.
It is reported that the vehicle missed a roadside explosive before it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, according to the area Deputy County Commissioner.
Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Bett stated that the incident happened about six kilometers from a Chinese construction site on the LAPSSET project.
"The vehicle has six people on board majority being police officers. An explosive missed it but the attackers hit it with an RPG," Bett reported.
The vehicle was heading to Garissa when it evaded an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) but exploded a few seconds later after being hit by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG).
The authority called for quick action from the police leadership proportionate to the gravity of the crime committed.
IPOA asked the National Police Service to consider their recommendations for ensuring the safety of their officers while in conflict-prone areas.
“These if implemented will contribute towards mitigating possible attacks against police officers in the future,” the authority noted.
