The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the killing of a man during protests at Chuka town in Tharaka Nithi county on Saturday, April 8.
Willis Mugambi alias Kiraku, who chairs a boda boda riders association in Tharaka Nithi, was shot dead by police during the protests which emerged after the killing of a resident, Daniel Mutembei, by unknown assailants.
In a statement on Sunday, April 9, IPOA chairperson, Anne Makori revealed that the shooting occurred after police responded to enforce public order management as demonstrators paralysed business and transport in Tharaka Nithi as well as Meru and Embu Counties, blocking the busy Embu- Meru highway at Chuka Town.
“The Station Commander Chuka Police Station has since notified the Authority’s Regional Office in Meru, of the incident. This is in line with the provisions of the NPS Act, Sixth Schedule, that any death be reported to IPOA within 24 hours. Our Regional Office in Meru has this morning dispatched a Rapid Response Team to launch investigations into the death. Upon conclusion of its investigations, the Authority shall take appropriate action, including recommending to the Director of Public Prosecutions the prosecution of any person found culpable,” IPOA stated in part.
The drama first ensued in Chuka town on April 8 after a mob barricaded Meru-Nairobi Highway using stones and a casket containing a body.
The drama first ensued in Chuka town on April 8 after a mob barricaded Meru-Nairobi Highway using stones and a casket containing a body.
The residents of Nkwego village were demanding the arrest of the killers of Mutembei, whose body was in the coffin. Two suspects were arrested for the homicide, held briefly and released, a matter that angered the residents to the point of sparking protests.
The demonstrations turned ugly after the Chuka Bodaboda chairman lost his life in what the locals alleged he was hit by a tear gas canister. Motorists travelling to the three counties were forced to use alternative routes or postpone their plans as the highway was closed by angry crowds.
Mutembei’s family further alleged that he was killed by people well-known to them, adding that no one has been arrested over the case since his murder on March 19 at Nkwego Village Chuka Igamba Ngombe constituency, arguing that suspects have turned to threaten the family which is in course of seeking justice.
“Police said they will pursue the 5 suspects, but they have not been arrested 3 weeks later. They (police) have done nothing after showing me (their) photos,” Mutembei’s father said David Ngai.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki responded by dispatching high-level investigative teams to Chuka Town to take over the enquiry and recommend legal action on those responsible for the death of Mutembei and Mugambi.
“Any person(s) at whom evidence will point shall face the course of justice. Condolences to the families and friends of the two deceased persons and to the affected communities. Residents are urged to remain calm and allow impartial investigations following which prosecution shall ensue,” he stated.
