By Ongaga Ongaga
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the death of one person during violent protests in Luanda Township, Vihiga County recently.
The unrest followed a police operation targeting motorcycle-related crime, in which twenty motorcycles were impounded for verification.
According to IPOA, the protests escalated after demonstrators barricaded the Kisumu-Busia highway, disrupted traffic, and attempted to forcibly retrieve the impounded motorcycles from Luanda Police Station.
Looting was also reported from nearby premises, prompting reinforcement from officers in Sabatia, Vihiga, and Emuhaya Sub-Counties.
IPOA monitors documented “one fatality, the arrest of five suspected protesters, and injuries sustained by seven police officers during the course of the incident.”
The Authority confirmed that investigations are underway to establish whether the use of force was justified and if public order management protocols were followed.
In its statement, IPOA urged calm and constructive engagement between citizens and police, noting: “IPOA calls upon members of the public to utilise established channels of engagement with the police in order to de-escalate tensions during such incidents.”
The Authority extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished a swift recovery to those injured, including police officers.
“IPOA remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations into the matter,” said Vice Chairperson Ms. Ann Wanjiku Mwangi.