The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Tuesday launched a probe into a case where police officers shot 2 civilians dead and injured several others.
A statement by the Authority confirmed the shooting incident which took place on January 8 involved National Police Reservists at a farmer’s cooperative society in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County.
"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has this morning learned of an incident in which it is alleged that two men lost their lives at the hands of National Police Service Reservists," read part of a statement by IPOA.
"It is alleged that several others were also injured in the shooting incident."
The Authority revealed that it had already deployed a rapid investigation team from its Eldoret Regional Office to initiate investigations into the deaths.
“Upon conclusion of the investigations and pursuant to Section 6(a) of the IPOA Act, the Authority will make recommendations, including prosecution if criminal culpability is established on the part of the police reservists involved," IPOA noted.
“IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial, and fair.”
The tragic occurrence comes against the backdrop of a similar incident which took place on January 4 where a police car allegedly run over a middle-aged man in Ugenya, Siaya County.
The kin who demanded justice narrated that the incident occurred after a confrontation between the police and a 36-year-old man.
As reported by IPOA, the deceased was run over by a police van while attempting to stop the law enforcement officers from seizing his 3 cows over defaulted debt.
"When I arrived home, I found my child on a motorbike being rushed to the hospital. I quickly rushed to the house to take some cash since I had no money in my pocket. Upon arriving at Ukwala Hospital, the boy succumbed," Boniface Opondo, the deceased's father narrated while speaking to journalists.
"The police who should be protecting citizens are the ones killing people. Then how do we help ourselves, or how can you help us so that we can get justice."
