Cop, Civilian Killed In Garissa Attack On Police Vehicle

Over time, IPOA has made various recommendations to the National Police Service arising from its monitoring operations of various attacks on police officers on duty...

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Dec 22, 2022 - 10:30 Updated: Dec 22, 2022 - 10:31
0
Cop, Civilian Killed In Garissa Attack On Police Vehicle
A file image of Kenya Police. /FILE

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has consoled with the National Police Service (NPS) following an attack on a police vehicle in Garissa County on Wednesday, December 21.

In a statement dated Thursday, December 22, IPOA learnt with shock of the incident that resulted in the death of an officer and a civilian.

The authority condemned the attack while sending its condolences to the Inspector General of Police (IG) and members of the NPS, as well as the family and friends of the deceased.

Police on patrol in Garissa County. /FILE

"It is with shock and dismay that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority has learnt of yesterday's heinous attack on a Galmagalla Police Station vehicle resulting in the unfortunate death of an officer and a member of the public in Bura East Subcounty, Garissa County.

"IPOA condemns in the strongest terms possible the inhuman act meted upon the civilian and the dedicated officer who was in the company of his colleagues carrying out their duties. The Authority sends condolences to the Inspector General of Police, all the members of the National Police Service, and families and friends of those who lost their lives in the fatal attack," the authority stated.

IPOA also wished for quick restoration of health to those who were injured in the attack, adding that for any country, losing security officers and members of the public through criminal action is a matter of immense concern.

"It is our hope that there will be decisive action by the police leadership proportionate to the gravity of the crime committed yesterday," the authority added.

Over time, IPOA has made various recommendations to the National Police Service arising from its monitoring operations of various attacks on police officers on duty.

These if implemented will contribute towards mitigating possible attacks against police officers in future. IPOA assured that it remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair.

IG Japhet Koome had on Friday, December 16 urged police officers not to hesitate to use their firearms to protect themselves and their citizens.

Speaking during the 4th Memorial Ceremony for officers who died on duty held at Embakasi AP Training College, Nairobi, IG Koome said that police are duty-bound to protect both lives and property of Kenyans.

"We had others in Mombasa Road who were attacked with arrows. The officer is on duty escorting bundles of cash then he finds the roads blocked. He is then ambushed with arrows yet he has a gun.

"Is the firearm a pen that you use to write?" Koome posed.

He said his office would stand with officers and that they should not express cowardice in the execution of their duties, in what appeared to be jabs thrown at IPOA.

"The other day they said arrest 12 police officers. The office of the IG will stand with you," he added.

During the function, it was revealed that more than 50 police officers had lost their lives in the line of duty in the past year.

On his part, CS Kindiki said his office was concerned over the killing of security officials by criminals, calling for more vigilance against armed groups.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki lays a wreath during the 4th Memorial Ceremony held on December 16, 2022, for officers who died on duty. /NPS

Tags: