IPOA launches probe into fatal shooting of two boda boda riders by DCI officer in Thika

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of two boda boda riders in Makongeni, Thika West, on Sunday by a police officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Preliminary investigations by IPOA identified the officer as PC Eric Gitonga, number 93397, stationed at the DCI Headquarters Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit and residing in the Thika Landless area. According to IPOA, the incident occurred around 5:30 am on the Thika-Garissa Highway, approximately 200 metres past Makongeni Police Station. Gitonga was reportedly involved in a traffic accident with a motorcycle carrying a rider and a pillion passenger.

"An altercation ensued between the officer and the boda boda rider regarding who was at fault. Both parties later proceeded to Makongeni Police Station to resolve the matter. The duty officer subsequently summoned traffic police officers from Thika Police Station, who arrived at the scene at around 6:00 am," said IPOA.

"While at the scene, the police officer, who was allegedly intoxicated, became rowdy and resisted being disarmed. In the process, he fatally shot both the motorcycle rider and his pillion passenger."

The officer was subsequently disarmed, detained at Thika Police Station, and later transferred to Kiambu Police Station.

The victims, Kennedy Ojuma and Stephen Mwendwa, are currently at Thika General Kago Mortuary.

IPOA has obtained critical documentation from both Makongeni and Thika Police Stations, including occurrence book extracts, signals, and duty rosters.

Statements have also been recorded from nine police officers.

On Monday, Gitonga was arraigned at the Kiambu Law Courts, where IPOA sought a 21-day custodial order to complete its investigation.

The court was scheduled to deliver a ruling on the application on Tuesday.

IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan emphasised the authority’s commitment to impartial investigations, underscoring its mandate to hold police officers accountable and ensure professional conduct.

Further investigative steps include overseeing post-mortem examinations, recording additional witness statements, examining the officer’s firearm, and reviewing CCTV footage from the scene.

Meanwhile, the Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) has called for urgent disciplinary measures against boda boda operators, citing escalating attacks and reckless behaviour that endanger drivers and pedestrians across the country.

In a statement on Monday, MAK condemned the rising menace of boda boda riders, describing their actions as “molesting and harassing drivers.”

“We, as an association for motorists, are flabbergasted and deeply angered by the excesses of the boda boda subsector. It pains us that motorists across the country are under siege. From matatus torched in Juja and Luanda, to trailers, buses, pickups and personal cars attacked in broad daylight, even pedestrians are not safe either. Yet, the police fail even to issue warning statements condemning such actions. The silence looks like endorsement, and that is unacceptable,” the association said.

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MAK outlined a pattern of lawlessness, noting that riders openly break traffic rules in full view of officers, ride against oncoming traffic, blind motorists at night with bright and flickering lights, cut corners at roundabouts, ride on footpaths, join highways recklessly, switch lanes without signalling, overtake on the wrong side and carry unprotected passengers without reflective clothing.

“They openly jump red lights in the presence of officers, yet enforcement is conveniently absent. These excesses cause numerous accidents, and in most cases, the riders escape, leaving motorists to shoulder the bills. When crashes occur, they mob drivers, demand arbitrary compensation, assault them, and at times even steal from them. This has been the state of affairs for too long,” MAK added.

The association also warned that authorities often act only when VIPs are affected, while ordinary citizens remain unprotected.

“Boda boda riders have taken the law into their own hands, playing judge, jury, and executioner on the roads. Even when they are at fault, their word becomes final. Years of being treated with cotton gloves have emboldened them into arrogance, disrespect, bullying and outright impunity,” MAK said.

MAK urged boda boda associations to take responsibility for their members, discipline lawbreakers and engage with motorists to find lasting solutions.