Top police commanders summoned as IPOA probes deadly anti-govt protests

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has shifted its focus on police commanders, summoning over 50 officers in connection with the deaths and serious injuries that occurred during the Gen-Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024 and the Azimio demonstrations of 2023.

The move signals a new chapter in holding senior officers accountable under the concept of command responsibility, where higher-ranking officials may face charges if individual perpetrators remain unidentified.

Among those summoned are high-profile officers, including Bungoma County Police Commander and other senior officials from Western Kenya, all required to appear before IPOA detectives starting tomorrow, September 17, 2024.

The summons come as IPOA finalises independent investigations into the violent crackdowns on the protests, which saw multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

Over 15 senior police commanders are expected to be grilled, with Bungoma County Police Commander Francis Kooli among those slated to appear. IPOA’s inquiry is aimed at uncovering the extent of police involvement in unlawful actions during the demonstrations.

To prepare for the sessions, the Kenya Police Service headquarters has directed officers to meet with legal advisors for a briefing ahead of their IPOA appearances.

“Legal officers from this headquarters will meet with concerned officers at the Regional headquarters on September 16 for briefing prior to appearing at the Authority offices on the respective dates,” reads a letter signed by Elizabeth Marube, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG).

Protesters march with a Kenyan flag along Moi Avenue, Nairobi, during the anti-government demos on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

Focus of probe

The focus of the investigation is particularly intense in the Western region, where a series of violent incidents took place.

Police commanders from the region, including Kakamega County Commander Lucy Kananu and Bungoma South Commander Wilson Muraya, are among those under scrutiny.

Other officers of interest include the General Service Unit (GSU) head at the Kakamega State Lodge and the officer in charge of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Akichelesit.

In an earlier correspondence to the DIG, IPOA revealed that the investigation is centred on police operations that led to multiple deaths and injuries.

“In the course of its investigations, the Authority has established that several police officers were involved during the said police operations that resulted in deaths and serious injuries among other crimes,” IPOA said.

Under Section 7(1) of the IPOA Act, the Authority has the power to requisition documents and summon both serving and retired police officers for questioning.

“On this premise, the Authority requests your office to summon the following 21 police officers to appear before the Authority for interview and statement recording,” IPOA wrote to the police boss.

The ongoing probe has already seen senior officers from Nakuru and their juniors interrogated, following the shooting of K24 TV journalist Catherine Wanjeri, among other protest-related incidents.

The demonstrations in Kakamega were particularly deadly, with the June 25 shooting of Reagan Ouko and Caroline Shiramba, who were killed during protests, and three others—Daniel Chimoita, Loise Mulefu, and Joseph Mwanza—who were seriously injured. On July 23, Daniel Wanje and December Shivachi were fatally shot, while seven others sustained critical injuries.

The IPOA had previously warned that senior police commanders could face criminal charges if the ongoing investigation fails to pinpoint the individual officers responsible for the shootings. The probe has been met with several obstacles, including non-cooperation from police commanders, witness interference, and a lack of credible testimonies.

The case is significant in the context of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to address police accountability. The investigations could see similar steps taken, as pressure mounts for accountability from Kenya’s law enforcement agencies.