Court allows IPOA to detain two police officers linked to hawker shooting for 15 days

Court allows IPOA to detain two police officers linked to hawker shooting for 15 days

This is after IPOA entered into a mutual agreement with the defence lawyers who represented the officers.

A Nairobi court has allowed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) officers to detain police officers Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, who are linked to the assault and shooting of a hawker, Boniface Kariuki, for 15 days pending investigations.

Kariuki was shot during Tuesday’s protests and has since been hospitalised.

This is after IPOA entered into a mutual agreement with the defence lawyers who represented the officers.

The officers appeared before Milimani principal magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, where police sought to detain them pending investigations into the incident.

The shooting happened on June 17 along Moi Avenue during protests triggered by the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

Barasa and Kiprono, both attached to Kileleshwa Police Station, were deployed to manage the demonstrations. Protesters have been demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who is the main complainant in the case linked to Ojwang’s death.

Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a street vendor, was shot in the head at close range by one of the officers as the protestors called for justice. He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and is currently recuperating in the intensive care unit.

The incident sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation from civil rights groups and some political leaders. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the immediate arrest of the two officers as investigations continue.

Reader Comments

Trending

Popular Stories This Week

Stay ahead of the news! Click ‘Yes, Thanks’ to receive breaking stories and exclusive updates directly to your device. Be the first to know what’s happening.