The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has identified a police officer connected to one of the fatal shootings that occurred during the May 18-19 fuel price demonstrations nationwide.
According to a public statement released on May 30 by IPOA, witness statements indicated that a single armed officer, believed to be wearing a Kenya Prisons Service uniform, fired the shot that resulted in the death of Martin Rigii Karuu in Kiambu Town on May 18.
The victim was participating in protests near Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in the Mburerie area when he was struck around 1:00 pm and immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency medical care.
IPOA investigators processed the crime scene, conducted witness interviews, and secured CCTV footage from a nearby business establishment that may provide clarity on the incident.
“Investigators documented the scene and acquired CCTV footage from a local business premises,” stated IPOA.
“Initial witness testimonies suggest the involvement of a single armed officer thought to have been dressed in a Kenya Prisons Service uniform.”
Medical personnel attended to him, but he was declared dead approximately forty minutes after arriving at the hospital. His body was subsequently transferred to St. Theresa Hospital Mortuary in Thindigua.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Karuu succumbed to a single gunshot wound that caused lung rupture and multiple rib fractures, injuries characteristic of a high-velocity projectile.
Separately, IPOA is investigating the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e, who was discovered hanging inside a cell at Kiambu Police Station on May 21, shortly after being arrested in connection with a suspected theft incident.
A post-mortem determined the cause of death as asphyxia resulting from neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation, with suicide confirmed. IPOA is now assessing whether officers adhered to proper custodial supervision protocols.
Additionally, the authority is examining multiple cases arising from the same protests, including the deaths of Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege, who were fatally shot in Naivasha during the demonstrations.
Three more individuals identified as James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji, and a man known only as Solomon were also fatally shot in Molo, Nakuru County, with their cases incorporated into the ongoing investigation.
IPOA has also stated that it is investigating the death of an unidentified person in Mwari, Nakuru County, as part of the broader effort to ensure accountability regarding events during the nationwide protests.
The investigative body announced it will provide regular updates and assured the public that all inquiries are being carried out independently and without bias.