NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting of two boda boda riders in Makongeni, Thika, on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
The watchdog confirmed the officer involved as PC Eric Gitonga, attached to the DCI Headquarters Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit (ECCU).
According to IPOA’s preliminary findings, the incident followed a road accident involving Gitonga’s Audi (KDC 053K) and a motorcycle (KMDL 406L) carrying two men.
An altercation broke out after the crash, leading both parties to Makongeni Police Station.
When traffic officers from Thika arrived to handle the case, Gitonga — who was allegedly intoxicated and resisting disarmament — opened fire, fatally shooting the rider, Kennedy Ojuma, and his passenger, Stephen Mwendwa.
The officer was later disarmed, detained at Thika Police Station, and transferred to Kiambu Police Station.
He was arraigned in the Kiambu Law Courts on Monday, September 8, where IPOA sought 21 days’ custodial orders to complete investigations. A ruling was expected on Tuesday afternoon.
IPOA said it had already secured key documents, including Occurrence Book extracts, duty rosters, and police signals, and recorded statements from nine officers.
It also plans to oversee post-mortem examinations, obtain CCTV footage, and submit the officer’s firearm for ballistic tests.
“The Authority is committed to conducting impartial investigations as it fulfils its mandate of holding the police accountable,” said IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan.
The watchdog urged police officers to act professionally and uphold the objectives of Article 244 of the Constitution, which requires the service to remain accountable, disciplined, and respectful of human rights.
