MIGORI Kenya MAY 27-The police oversight authority has launched investigations into the shooting that led to the loss of six lives and left several others injured in Isebania, Migori County on May 23.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Saturday May 27 said a Rapid Response Team from Kisumu had been dispatched to Isebania police station in Kuria West Sub-County to launch investigations into the deaths and injuries.
The shooting occurred as police officers from the station attempted to restore peace through a public order management operation.
IPOA chairperson Ann Makori has also called upon members of the public to maintain peace and observe lawfulness as the Authority investigates the matter, adding that they will be impartial, fair and transparent.
“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,” she said.
The Service Standing Orders (SSOs) stipulate that a police officer shall always attempt to use non-violent means first, and the force used must be proportional to the objective to be achieved and the seriousness of the offence.
Trouble in Isebania started on May 21 when businessman Moses Mwangi Mugure was shot at his business premise by eight armed criminals who escaped to the neighboring Sirare town in Tanzania.
Chaos followed that paralyzed transport and business activities along the Isebania-Sirare highway as locals bitterly protested the killing of the businessman in Isebania town.
The irate locals blamed the police for ineptness to deal with the bold criminals who even attacked their victims in broad daylight.
They further claimed the officers were aiding armed thugs who often disappear into neighbouring counties, and demanded the officers to be transferred to other places.
At least six people have been attacked in the last three months, according to the business community led by Kehancha Municipal chair Matiko Bohoko and Samuel Kiboye.
“We now want all the police manning this town to be transferred because when it comes to responding to raids, they are nowhere to assist,” Keboye said on May 22.
The Migori County Commissioner David Gitonga however gave an assurance of addressing their concerns. Gitonga warned that any security persons found colluding with criminals would be punished accordingly.
The Migori security team led by the Gitonga and County police commander Mark Wanjala last week engaged their Tanzania counterparts in talks aimed at helping apprehend criminals who most of the time escape to Tanzania after committing crimes in Kenya.
On the fateful day, Thursday May 25 at around 4.30pm, a group of locals escorting the body of the slain businessman from St Akidiva Mindira Mabera hospital mortuary raided the station.
Police said they smashed the windows of the OCS office, armoury and other offices.
“They started destroying the gates of the cells, demanding the release of the prisoners in custody, prompting the shooting by live ammunition,” local police commander said on Thursday.
“Unfortunately this resulted in the death of four unidentified goons. The attack to the station was premeditated by Peter Hamisi Chacha, John Musa, Nsato Alias Manywele who was driving the pick-up full of stones,” a police report reads.
During the incident, a police officer identified as Constable Idi Mwijuma was also injured.
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