The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), 57 Kenyans were killed as a result of police brutality during opposition-led anti-government protests.
Thirty of these deaths were documented in Kisumu, twenty in Nairobi, and one each in Kakamega and Nakuru counties, according to the authority.
During a hearing before the National Dialogue Committee on Wednesday, the IPOA revealed that it had received multiple complaints regarding the conduct of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and that it intended to act on the concerns as quickly as possible.
The IPOA delegation also expressed dissatisfaction with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“The challenge sometimes, and I have to bring it carefully, is when we want forensic analysis on the weapon that was used, we sometimes encounter bottlenecks because the lab is under the DCI who is under the NPS and the head is the IG….” Dr. Walter Ogony said.
The authority stated that between early July when the country enjoyed a ceasefire as protests ended, they received 237 complaints from 359 complainants, with others still being investigated.
The authority further dismissed the IG’s apparent weakening of its position, referring to them as “busybodies” with their eyes on the prize.
“Let the committee not be concerned that the IG can make such a statement and get away with it,” Commissioner Waiganjo added. It is critical that you understand that we have ongoing accusations against the IG himself.”
