IPOA Condemns Driver's Assault On Police Officer In Nairobi, Gives Way Forward

Preliminary reports indicate that the police corporal was on traffic management duties along Kamiti Road, Kasarani when he was attacked as he attempted to arrest the motorist.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Jun 3, 2024 - 20:30 Updated: Jun 3, 2024 - 20:32
0
IPOA Condemns Driver's Assault On Police Officer In Nairobi, Gives Way Forward
A collage of a motorist filmed assaulting a traffic police officer in Kasarani who was arrested by detectives in a night operation on June 2, 2024. /VIRAL TEA KE

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has urged Kenyans not satisfied with the services of the police or police officers to forward their complaints to the authority for investigations.

IPOA issued a statement on Monday, June 3 while expressing concern regarding an incident in which a motorist attacked and injured a police officer on duty in Nairobi County on Sunday, May 2, 2024.

Preliminary reports indicate that the police corporal was on traffic management duties along Kamiti Road, Kasarani when he was attacked as he attempted to arrest the motorist.

IPOA chairperson, Anne Makori. /FILE

"IPOA notes that the involved suspects are all under police custody at the moment. IPOA strongly condemns such attacks noting that they interrupt the provision of security services, strip the public of policing services, exacerbate disregard to the rule of law and inconvenience Kenyans of their constitutional right to enjoy quality policing services," the statement read in part.

The authority urged Kenyans who feel disgruntled about policing services, or police officers to lodge their complaints with the Authority for investigations through the toll-free number 1559 instead of resorting to attacking the Police.

Meanwhile, fresh details emerged regarding the arrest of the motorist, a teenager, whom authorities reportedly tracked down on Sunday evening and grilled him overnight.

Viral Tea had reported that the suspect was traced to his girlfriend's house in the Jacaranda area of Kayole, Nairobi as part of an operation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based in the Nairobi area. The woman had tipped off police officers regarding his location.

A clip that showed the driver undergoing a grilling from the police officers hinted that he underwent torture and was subjected to insults. In the footage, the teenager revealed that he had never attacked a police officer and that the latest incident was his first encounter, further claiming that the officer was requesting excessive money.

Another video clip indicated that the suspect was arrested while in a white car. Police officers believed that the teenager was in Mirema for a clubbing experience.

Reports indicated that the suspect was a gang leader in Mwiki and has 10 cases pending in court.

Meanwhile, IPOA launched investigations into the death of a minor at the Kambuu Police Station in Makueni County, where his mother had been detained.

"IPOA officers have also visited the scene and have so far interviewed a number of witnesses. Upon completion of investigations and where criminal culpability is proven, IPOA will recommend prosecution," the authority assured.

A Kenyan Police Officer at a crime scene. /FILE