IPOA Condemns Killing Of Cop By Motorist Who Pushed Him Off Speeding Car

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has condemned a traffic incident in Mombasa whereby a driver ran over and killed a traffic police officer while attempting to evade a traffic security check.

In its statement on Tuesday, February 28, IPOA called upon the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome to conduct a thorough probe into the matter even as it sent its condolences to him, members of the National Police Service, the family and friends of the officer.

"Bearing in mind that the incident in Mombasa occurred on Monday (February 27), and all avenues for investigations may not have been exhausted, we recommend to the IG that such an enquiry should be broadened with a view of unearthing the underlying factors into a dangerous trend where attacks on law enforcement officers is becoming common.

IPOA chairperson, Anne Makori. /FILE

"A life lost by unnatural causes is one too many and we, therefore, urge the IG to unravel all circumstances that may be contributing to the worrisome pattern of hostility between the police and some members of the public," IPOA stated in part.

The oversight authority further condemned in the strongest terms possible actions of those in communities who whenever aggrieved by actions of law enforcers, result in taking the law into their own hands, adding that such callous actions result to loss of lives, property and livelihoods.

"IPOA urges the public to always follow lawful avenues when seeking redress, including reporting matters of police misconduct to the Authority," added IPOA.

According to the Occurrence Book (OB) report seen by Viral Tea, the officer identified as Julius Marwa was on his routine traffic control duties at the Buxton Junction with a colleague at 4.30 pm when tragedy struck.

The deceased officer had stopped a motorist for a traffic check-up but the driver declined, forcing the officer into opening the car door with the intent to turn off the ignition.

"Unexpectedly the driver grabbed the officer's hand and tried to pull him inside the vehicle before driving off at high speed while the officer's feet were dragging on the tarmac for about 200m. Shortly after, the officer was pushed out of the moving vehicle and he was run over by the rear right wheel.

The officer sustained a serious head injury and multiple fractures on the pelvis. he was rushed to Jocham hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival," read the police report in part.

As the officer's body was lying at the same hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem, an operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect through the number plate of the vehicle, which was later traced to a basement parking within beach road estate in Nyali.

The suspect was found having locked himself inside the vehicle before he was arrested. The motor vehicle was towed to Makupa Police Station awaiting further police action.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki on December 16, 2022, said his office was concerned over the killing of security officials by criminals, calling for more vigilance against armed groups.