Police negligence behind Nyandarua chaos at Gachagua’s event - IPOA

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has criticised police officers in Nyandarua County for negligence and mishandling of security at a thanksgiving event on December 28, 2024, where chaos erupted after a teargas canister was thrown near the VIP section.

The event, held at Shamata Stadium and attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, turned chaotic when the teargas canister landed near the dais during Nyandarua Senator John Methu’s speech.

While Methu appeared unshaken in video footage circulating online, panic gripped the attendees, with guests, including high-profile politicians, fleeing for safety.

IPOA says the suspect, who claimed to be a police officer, was reportedly rescued from mob justice and taken to Ndaragwa Police Station. However, IPOA’s investigation revealed glaring lapses in how the matter was handled.

Police failings exposed

According to IPOA, despite prior intelligence indicating potential disruptions, no operation order was prepared to manage the event’s security.

The Authority says at least 60 officers were deployed under the command of the County Police Commander, who failed to log her presence in the Occurrence Book.

Earlier in the day, five suspects accused of planning to disrupt the event were arrested but later released on the County Police Commander’s instructions.

IPOA notes that the details of their release were not fully recorded, raising accountability concerns.

“Five suspects were arrested in the morning for planning to disrupt the event. They were, however, later released on instructions from the County Police Commander. The released suspects' details were not fully recorded in the Occurrence Book, raising accountability concerns,” the Authority said on Thursday.

Additionally, the suspect involved in the teargas incident was also released without being formally booked or investigated, a move IPOA termed as unprofessional and indicative of negligence.

IPOA affirmed that police officers involved in managing the event failed to perform their duties effectively, with their actions amounting to potential abuse of authority.

The oversight authority has recommended accountability measures for the officers implicated in the mishandling of the incident.

“IPOA conducted thorough investigations into police inaction, negligence and misconduct and recommends that accountability measures be enforced for officers involved in the inappropriate handling of the incident,” the Authority said.

Gachagua had criticised the police officers following the incident, accusing them of complicity in politically motivated disruptions.

“Why do you allow yourselves to be used for political purposes?” he posed, pointing to the presence of a uniformed inspector and a plainclothes officer when the incident occurred.

The former DP, however, expressed gratitude to residents and attendees for their composure amidst the chaos. He commended the locals for safeguarding the gathering and ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups.

“I want to acknowledge the courage of everyone who attended this event, ensuring that despite this attack, the prayers continued to their focal conclusion,” he said.

The incident follows another disruption in November 2024, when suspected goons interrupted a funeral in Limuru attended by Gachagua, damaging vehicles in his convoy.

IPOA has urged authorities to take swift action to ensure accountability and prevent similar lapses in future.