The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced that it is investigating multiple fatalities linked to the nationwide anti-government protests held on June 25, 2024.
In a press statement, IPOA confirmed that 60 deaths were reported during the demonstrations. Of these, investigations into 22 cases have been completed, while 36 remain under active investigation.
Two cases, Rex Masai and Evans Kiratu, have already been filed in court. The two were allegedly shot dead in Nairobi during the protests, with police officers identified as the main suspects.
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A breakdown of the reported fatalities shows that of the 29 cases geographically accounted for, eight occurred in Nyeri, six in Kakamega, six in Kisumu, four in Nakuru, three in Eldoret, three in Mombasa, and one in Meru.
Additionally, IPOA recorded 233 injuries sustained during the protests. Investigations are currently underway in 191 of those cases.
The Authority noted that 42 cases were closed internally, while two were forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further action.
However, IPOA raised concerns over challenges in conducting the investigations, citing non-cooperation by some police officers and witnesses, which has hindered progress in several cases.