Nairobi — The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man during a political rally in Kitengela, marking the latest in a series of deadly incidents involving police that have reignited scrutiny over the use of lethal force by security officers.
In a statement on Monday, IPOA said it deployed a rapid-response team to Kitengela to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident that occurred on Sunday, as police sought to maintain order during political rallies in Kajiado and Mombasa counties.
"The investigations aim to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the extent of police involvement, assess whether the use of force was justified, and evaluate whether it was proportionate as defined by law," the oversight authority said.
IPOA said the probe is being conducted under its mandate in the IPOA Act and the National Police Service (NPS) Act, which require the authority to investigate deaths and serious injuries resulting from police action.
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The authority extended condolences to the deceased's family and pledged to make its findings public, along with recommendations to relevant agencies if culpability is established.
The shooting has drawn sharp political reactions. Leaders allied to ODM accused President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of bearing "direct personal responsibility" for alleged police brutality during the Kitengela unrest.
Call for accountability
In a joint statement, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and other lawmakers said 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo, a garage worker, was shot dead by police while exercising his constitutional right to assemble.
"It has now been confirmed that one person lost their life in Kitengela yesterday. The Police shot and killed 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo. This is another senseless and needless killing," the statement read, demanding justice and accountability.
The Kitengela case is the third fatal shooting involving police to be investigated by IPOA within roughly a month, reflecting persistent concerns over police conduct and accountability.
On February 9, IPOA opened investigations into the shooting death of 21-year-old Kenya Medical Training College student Sheril Adhiambo in Huruma, Nairobi, during a police operation reportedly targeting robbery suspects.
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Her killing sparked protests in the densely populated neighbourhood, with residents clashing with police and demanding answers.
In January, IPOA also launched a probe into the fatal shooting of George Gathu Matheri in Karatina, Nyeri County, during a confrontation with police officers on patrol. A police officer suspected of firing the fatal shot was arrested and detained.
IPOA said its teams are gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police conduct to determine whether officers acted within the law.
"The Authority remains committed to its mandate of holding NPS accountable and ensuring that police operations are conducted transparently, professionally, and in full compliance with the law," said IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi.
Kenya's constitution and policing laws require officers to use force only when strictly necessary and proportionate. Rights groups, however, note that enforcement has been inconsistent, with investigations often slow and prosecutions rare.
At the time of publication, the Interior Ministry and the National Police Service had not issued a detailed public response to the Kitengela shooting.
