The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), on Monday, June 19, insisted that police officers were obligated to offer first aid to victims injured in their line of duty.
IPOA cited the National Police Service (NPS) Act and Service Standing Orders to warn police officers that they would be held liable for failing to comply with the directive.
“When the use of force results in injuries, the police officers present shall provide medical assistance immediately,” IPOA chairperson, Anne Makori, stated.
“Unless there are good reasons, failing to do so shall be a criminal offence," she added.
Police officers were also discouraged from using force when apprehending criminals and were urged to apply restraint unless their lives or others are in danger.
If necessitated to use force, IPOA noted that it should be proportional to the objective, the seriousness of the offence, and the resistance of the person against whom it is used.
To restrict abuse of the provision, police officers were reminded to immediately report to their superiors instances when force was used to apprehend a suspect.
“Any use of force that leads to death, serious injury and other grave consequences shall be reported immediately to the IPOA,” Makori added.
In further efforts to curb extrajudicial killings, the investigative agency added that police officers who fail to report such cases would have committed a disciplinary offence.
“Following the orders of a superior is no excuse for unlawful use of force,” IPOA warned officers.
The investigative body referenced a shooting incident at Hindi Town in Lamu County, on Saturday, June 18. A Form Three student was reportedly fatally wounded by police officers in a 12:30 am protest.
IPOA dispatched a Rapid Response Team to launch investigations into the student's death in line with its obligations. It also urged members of the public to maintain peace and observe the law as investigations commenced.
"Upon conclusion of its investigations, the Authority shall take appropriate action, including recommending the Director of Public Prosecutions to arraign any person found culpable," Makori directed.
