The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has summoned over 50 police officers for questioning related to deaths, serious injuries, and other unlawful acts during the Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations and the Azimio protests of 2023.
Documents reveal that more than 15 senior police commanders, including Bungoma County Police Commander Francis Kooli, are among those required to appear before IPOA detectives from September 16 to September 19. They will be questioned and their statements recorded as part of the ongoing investigations.
IPOA is probing multiple cases linked to these protests. In response to the summons, the Kenya Police Service headquarters has instructed the officers to consult with their legal representatives on Monday before their scheduled appearance.
According to a letter from Elizabeth Marube, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General, legal officers from the headquarters will meet the concerned officers at the Regional Headquarters on September 16 to brief them before they appear before IPOA.
In the Western region, Commander Kooli, Kakamega Commander Lucy Kananu, Bungoma South Police Commander Wilson Muraya, the Kakamega Central Commander, the GSU officer in charge of the Kakamega State Lodge, and the officer in charge of the Akichelesit Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) are listed as persons of interest.
IPOA had previously notified the Deputy Inspector General on August 30 that they are concluding their independent investigations into the deaths and injuries that occurred during the Gen-Z and Azimio demonstrations in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The authority has discovered that several police officers were involved in these operations, which resulted in deaths and serious injuries. Under Section 7(1) of the IPOA Act, the Authority has the power to request documents, summon current or retired officers, and obtain any relevant information for its investigations.
In addition to the Nakuru senior officers who have already been questioned following the shooting of K24 TV journalist Catherine Wanjeri and other incidents, Kananu is expected to provide certified copies of police operation orders for June 25, July 2, and July 23, along with all relevant OB entries, police signals, Arms Movement Registers, and ammunition allocation details.
The protests led to numerous fatalities. For instance, on June 25, Reagan Ouko and Caroline Shiramba were killed, and Daniel Chimoita, Loise Mulefu, and Joseph Mwanza were injured in Kakamega County. On July 23, Daniel Wanje and December Shivachi were fatally shot, with seven others severely injured.
Police are also required to submit a list of all vehicle and motorcycle registration numbers and work tickets.
IPOA has previously warned that senior police commanders could face criminal charges if the investigations fail to identify the officers directly involved in the shootings. The authority has faced challenges, including non-cooperation from some commanders, witness interference, and a general shortage of credible witnesses.
