NAIROBI, Kenya – An explosive investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has unearthed serious lapses in police accountability during an event in Nyandarua County, where a teargas canister was hurled at the VIP dais, causing chaos.
The event, held on December 28, 2024, at Shamata Stadium, was attended by key leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and hundreds of locals.
Organized by the area Member of County Assembly, the gathering had initially been canceled but was later cleared by the Aberdare Sub-County Security Committee just a day prior.
IPOA revealed that five suspects were arrested in the early hours of the event for allegedly planning to disrupt proceedings.
The sixth suspect was a man who identified himself as a police officer stationed in Athi River.
This suspected police officer was rescued from mob justice after throwing the teargas canister.
However, according to IPOA’s findings, all the six suspects were released without being formally booked or their details recorded in the Occurrence Book (OB).
“The Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigated the suspect’s mysterious release and police handling of the case and concluded the following: the police failed to handle the arrest and processing of the suspect professionally,” IPOA said.
The directive to release them, IPOA said, came from the County Police Commander, raising serious questions about procedural integrity.
IPOA’s investigation further uncovered that at least 60 officers were deployed for the event, yet no official operation order was issued for public order management.
The County Police Commander, who oversaw the operation, failed to log her presence in the station’s OB.
The incident caused a scene of panic, disrupting the speech of Senator John Methu. IPOA has since expressed concerns about the lack of accountability and professionalism exhibited by the officers involved.
The Isaack Hassan-led authority condemned the handling of the incident, noting that intelligence on potential disruptions had been available but no operational preparations were made.
“Despite prior intelligence, no operation order was prepared to manage public order during the event,” IPOA revealed.
“This points to negligence and possible abuse of authority.”
The watchdog has recommended strict accountability measures for officers implicated in the mishandling of the case.
IPOA emphasized that the suspect’s release without formal processing undermines justice and public trust in law enforcement.
The report has prompted calls for immediate reforms within the police service to ensure proper protocols are followed in similar situations.
IPOA underscored the need for thorough investigations by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to address the misconduct and negligence exhibited during the event.
“The police failed to handle the arrest and processing of the suspect professionally, which not only compromises the integrity of law enforcement but also endangers public safety,” an officer based at IAU and privy to the investigations told Y News.
This was the second incident involving the former Deputy President.
He had earlier been attacked during a burial event in Limuru. Several people were injured and property of unknown amount destroyed.
Gachagua blamed police for turning a blind eye and has since called for the resignation of the top police bosses .
