Inspector General (IG) of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has recalled an Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in Embu following the fatal shooting of protesters in Ishiara.
The recalling of the OCS followed an incident near Ishiara Level 4 Hospital in Embu County that left two dead on April 14.
According to the NPS, the action was taken to help uphold the accountability of the National Police Service to the residents of Embu County.
The recall of the OCS by IG Kanja, NPS said in a statement, would ensure that the investigations are fair, transparent, and impartial, so that justice is served.
IG Kanja assured that the police service would also give maximum cooperation to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) during investigations.
In a press statement, the National Police Service (NPS) clarified that the Evurore Ward community had issued a notice allowing them to participate in peaceful demonstrations against the Ishiara Level 4 hospital.
“Reports indicate that the Evurore Ward community, through their representatives, had given the police notice of a peaceful demonstration against Ishiara Level 4 Hospital. Although the protests began well, what was witnessed soon afterward was a shocking and unacceptable degeneration into criminal acts and violence by people who were not peaceful protestors,” part of the statement read.
The protests were driven by long-standing concerns about the condition of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, which serves residents in Mbeere North and surrounding areas.
According to the residents, the facility lacked essential medicine, had inadequate staffing, and had limited medical equipment, forcing the locals to seek medical interventions from other facilities.
According to the NPS, the police intervened to prevent property destruction and continued attacks and injuries to the bystanders.
However, police reports indicated that the attempt by the police to restore order was met by resistance and violence from criminal elements who had weapons.
Following the incident, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was notified to allow the full investigation into the incident in a transparent manner.
Residents in Embu County were also requested to provide any information that would aid the police in the investigation.
Also Read: Two Allegedly Shot Dead During Protests in Ishiara, Embu County
Action by IG Kanja over the Ishiara Incident
In an attempt to serve justice for the victims of the shooting, the National Police Service ensured that a special team of detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Headquarters was deployed.
According to the NPS, the team would conduct thorough, in-depth investigations into the incident, which would be conducted fairly and transparently following the recall of the Embu OCS by IG Kanja.
In addition, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has begun independent investigations into the Ishiara shooting.
Further, the Regional and County Security teams have moved into Embu County and are expected to carry out their assessment of the matter.
Also Read: Breakdown of NPS Three Units and Their Command Structure in Kenya
Independent Policing Oversight Authority on Embu County Shooting
After learning of the shooting incident in Embu, IPOA issued a press release on April 15, confirming that it had launched an investigation into the death and injuries occasioned by the police action.
In response to the incident, a Rapid Response Team was dispatched to Evurore Ward to gather information and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Additionally, the IPOA noted that the establishment of any individual’s involvement would result in the IPOA taking appropriate recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution.
“Where fault is established, the Authority shall make appropriate recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution. Meanwhile, the Authority condoles with the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wishes those who were injured a full recovery,” the statement read.
Residents were urged to remain calm as the law takes its course and serves justice.
