IPOA probing police officers involved in deadly confrontation with locals at Duka Moja in Narok
Aggrieved locals had barricaded the busy road, demanding compensation for their losses, leading to a standoff with police attempting to restore traffic flow.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has vowed to hold police officers accountable for any violations of the law during a confrontation at the Duka Moja trading centre in Narok County where residents clashed with police officers.
The violence led to the deaths of three people, with one police officer losing his hand in the deadly confrontation.
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The National Police Service also reported that nine police officers who were injured during the clash were treated at various hospitals and later discharged.
In a statement, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan said the authority has launched a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Any police officer found culpable for violating the law during the clash will face the consequences,” Issack said.
The clash occurred on January 17, 2025, following protests by residents after a motor vehicle accident the previous evening killed livestock on the Narok-Mai Mahiu road.
Aggrieved locals had barricaded the busy road, demanding compensation for their losses, leading to a standoff with police attempting to restore traffic flow.
The confrontation escalated as demonstrators continued to disrupt traffic on the highway, resulting in the use of teargas and firearms by police. Several people, including protesters and police officers, sustained serious injuries.
IPOA said it has since deployed its rapid response team to investigate the incident and pledged to recommend appropriate actions against any officers found to have acted unlawfully.
The authority condemned the violence and urged local leaders and government agencies to address the recurring issue of road accidents involving livestock in the area.
IPOA also called for calm among the public as investigations proceed, and encouraged anyone with information to report to its offices or use its toll-free number, 1559.
“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm as investigations are ongoing. IPOA extends its condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wishes a quick recovery to the injured,” Issack said.
IPOA reiterated that it is committed to impartiality and fairness in ensuring justice is served.
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