The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has begun investigating multiple deaths connected to the May 18 fuel price protests, including a custodial death in Kiambu and several fatal shootings in Kiambu and Nakuru counties.
According to a statement from IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, the authority has sent rapid response teams to probe fatalities reported during public order management operations by the National Police Service during demonstrations against rising fuel prices and related economic hardship.
One case under investigation involves the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e, who reportedly died while in custody at Kiambu Police Station.
IPOA stated that Njung’e, a resident of Kirigiti, was arrested on May 21 in connection with a suspected theft case and placed in police cells at approximately 11 am.
“On the same day at around 1152 hours, the deceased was found hanging inside the police cells using a mattress cover,” the authority reported.
IPOA investigators examined the scene, documented evidence, and reviewed police records before the body was transferred to Kenyatta University Funeral Home.
The authority attended the post-mortem examination, which determined the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation, with suicide confirmed.
“Preliminary review of the scene and custodial records showed no visible external injuries on the body,” IPOA noted.
However, investigators continue to assess whether proper supervision and detention procedures were followed at the station.
IPOA is also investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in the Mburerie area of Kiambu Town.
Initial findings indicate that Karuu was among demonstrators when he suffered a gunshot wound near the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya at approximately 1 pm on May 18.
He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries about 40 minutes later.
“Preliminary witness accounts suggest involvement of a single armed officer reportedly wearing Kenya Prisons Service uniform,” the authority said.
The post-mortem examination revealed that the deceased sustained a single gunshot wound that caused severe internal injuries, including a ruptured lung and fractured ribs.
“Investigations into the legality, proportionality and command responsibility regarding the use of force during the demonstrations continue,” IPOA stated.
In Nakuru County, the authority is investigating the deaths of Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, as well as the fatal shootings of James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji and Solomon in Molo.
Another investigation concerns the fatal shooting of an unidentified person in Mwariki, Nakuru.
IPOA mentioned that police officers were also injured during the protests and property of unknown value was destroyed.
The authority condemned the destruction and urged citizens to comply with the law.
“IPOA therefore condemns this destruction and calls upon citizens to conduct themselves within the confines of the law to avoid turning peaceful protests into situations of suffering and disruption of socio-economic activities,” the statement read.
The watchdog assured the public that all investigations are being conducted independently and impartially and promised to provide periodic updates on the cases.
“IPOA remains committed to promoting police accountability, protecting human rights and ensuring adherence to constitutional policing standards during public order management operations,” the authority said.
It also offered condolences to the families of those who died and wished a speedy recovery to all persons injured during the protests, including police officers.