The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation into an incident where police were seen assaulting a Multimedia University student on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Police had been deployed to the university following chaos triggered by a student strike. During efforts to restore order, officers were recorded striking a student near a detonated teargas canister.
The incident sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans, many of whom took to social media to voice their protests.
Reports indicate that the use of teargas during the protests caused an explosion and subsequent fire at a girls’ hostel. Fortunately, university staff quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported.
In response to the incident, IPOA announced that a Rapid Response Team has been sent to the university. The team will verify the authenticity of a widely circulated video showing the police assaulting a youth.
“The Authority has identified one student who suffered a fracture in his foot,” IPOA stated.
The investigation will also examine the police’s use of teargas, which IPOA described as reckless.
“IPOA emphasizes that members of the National Police Service (NPS) must carry out their duties professionally and responsibly, as outlined in Article 244 of the Constitution,” they added.
“Once the investigation is complete, IPOA will recommend actions, including possible prosecution of officers if wrongdoing is determined,” the statement concluded.
