Editor's Review

On completion, where fault is found, the Authority shall make recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution.


The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the death of a man who was in police custody in Bondo.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, IPOA revealed that it had learnt of the death of one Vitalis Okinda on Monday, January 10.

He allegedly died while in Police custody at Bondo Police Station, Bondo County.


The authority further announced that it is investigating yet another incident where Ibrahim Omar died in police custody in the Rhamu area of Mandera County.

"In line with provisions of the IPOA Act Section 7 (a)(x), which dictates that deaths and injuries occasioned by actions of the police be investigated by the Authority, and Section 5 of the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act which compels the police to report all deaths, serious injury and other grave consequences to the Authority for investigations, a Rapid Response Team was yesterday dispatched to Bondo with instructions to obtain all relevant information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the incident," the statement read in part.

IPOA revealed that another Investigation team from Garissa Regional office was this morning tasked to investigate the Rhamu death.

Separately, the Authority has also launched investigations into an incident in which Pharis Karani Gitobu was shot and seriously injured by police officers from Imenti South Sub-County in Meru County yesterday for allegedly not wearing a face mask in public.

On completion, where fault is found, the Authority shall make recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution.

"IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair," the authority maintained.