Outcry over insecurity in Murang’a

IPOA Launches Investigations into Fatal Police Shootings in Murang’a
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has officially launched investigations into multiple incidents where police officers in Murang’a County are alleged to have shot and killed members of the public. The probe was initiated following public outcry and formal complaints regarding the controversial deaths, which have been labeled by some community members as extra-judicial killings.
The incidents under scrutiny include the recent shooting of a street hawker in Maragua and the killing of two men who were identified as robbery suspects in Kambirwa. While police reports from these events cited armed confrontation and self-defense, testimonies from families and witnesses have painted a different picture, alleging that the victims were unarmed and executed. The IPOA, the state agency mandated to hold police accountable, has now stepped in to establish the facts independently.
In accordance with our mandate, we have dispatched our rapid response team to Murang’a to gather evidence, record statements from all involved parties, and ensure a transparent and impartial investigation, an IPOA spokesperson stated. The authority has urged any members of the public with relevant information or video evidence to come forward to aid their inquiries.
The launch of the IPOA investigation has been welcomed by human rights organizations and local leaders, who see it as a critical step toward justice and restoring public trust in the police service. The outcomes of these probes are highly anticipated, as they will determine whether the officers involved will face prosecution or be exonerated, setting a significant precedent for police accountability in the region. The cases have intensified the national conversation on the use of lethal force by police and the mechanisms for ensuring justice for victims of alleged police brutality.