IPOA asks residents to come forward, as it opens Investigations on police brutality in Mumias

Sheila Kanja

November 30, 2016 3:22 PM

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) launches investigations into police brutality allegations in Mumias, Kakamega County.

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into allegations of police brutality during an operation to recover seven stolen firearms in Mumias, Kakamega County.

IPOA has asked mumias residents to file official complaints at Christian Growth Church in Shibale Township from Wednesday to Friday.

Members of the public who witnessed the alleged attacks or have information have been asked to come forward.

The independent Medico-Legal Unit have assured, accountability and justice for all the victims of the brutality will prevail.

IMLU said preliminary investigations indicated the operation was not only brutish, shameless, and careless but also one conducted outside the confines of the law.

As a result of the excessive force two people died, women were sexually assaulted, tens of residents were injured and private property destroyed.

The police launched the major operation after a gang of thugs raided Booker police post where they injured one officer on duty before stealing seven G3 riffles and 180 ammunitions, last Wednesday morning.

A contingent of General Service unit police was then sent to the area with a mission to recover the guns.

However the residents complained of torture and excessive force while the GSU officers were undertaking the recovery operation.

Also read : TWO PEOPLE SUCCUMB TO INJURIES INFLICTED BY POLICE IN MUMIAS, EVEN AS POLICE ANNOUNCES KSH500,000 CASH REWARD

Local and national leaders join the residents in condemning the police brutality, noting Kenya was a democratic country with a progressive constitution on matters of human rights, and respect for rule of law.

The office of Inspector general last week confirmed it had received complaints and directed respective institution to launch investigations on the allegations.

Sheila Kanja