IPOA Sends Message To Kenyans After Majengo Killings By Police

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Thursday urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands. This is in response to violent protests that broke out after the Majengo murder incidents involving police officers from Shauri Moyo Police Station in Nairobi, which happened on March 4 and March 5.

IPOA issued a statement on the matter as it confirmed that it was investigating the shooting incidents involving the police officers from the police post located in Starehe Constituency, Nairobi County.  

According to the authority, the first incident occurred at approximately 8.40 pm on March 4, 2025, near Majengo Social Hall. It involved officers attempting to arrest a young suspect, an action that allegedly attracted other youths in the area.

Ibrahim Ramadhan Chege who was allegedly shot and killed by police on March 4, 2025. /YUSUF HASSAN

"This escalation resulted in the shooting and serious injury of a young man, estimated to be between 17 and 20 years old. His subsequent death while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National and Referral Hospital triggered demonstrations in the area on 5th March 2025, leading to further injuries suffered by members of the public and police officers," revealed IPOA.

Further, the authority's Chairperson, Ahmed Issack Hassa,n revealed that there was extensive destruction of property, including Government buildings and motor vehicles.  

"In accordance with Section 6(a) of the IPOA Act, which mandates the Authority to investigate complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offences committed by members of the Service, the Authority’s rapid response and forensic investigations team—accompanied by officers specialized in monitoring police conduct during public order management operations—responded to the incident," added the statement.

"The team has been tasked with gathering all relevant information to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and assessing how the police handled the demonstrators."

The investigation is ongoing, with the Authority updating that it has already recorded key statements, attended one postmortem examination, and is scheduled to attend another on March 6, 2025.  

"The Authority sends condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wishes a quick recovery to all who suffered injuries. IPOA further calls upon citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to refrain from any acts of lawlessness," added IPOA.

Hassan highlighted that, as per the National Police Service Act and Service standing orders, police officers are permitted to use force under specific conditions. The force applied must be proportional to the objective being pursued, the severity of the offense, and the level of resistance from the individual involved.

The Act also emphasizes that officers should prioritize non-violent methods before resorting to force. 

Additionally, the statement specified that any police officer who uses force must promptly report the incident to their superior.

“It shall be a disciplinary offence for a police officer to fail to report in accordance with these regulations. A Police officer in uniform shall at all times affix a nametag or identifiable Service number in a clearly visible part of the uniform and following the orders of a superior is no excuse for unlawful use of force,” part of the statement reads.