IPOA Exposes Police in Gachagua Teargas Probe
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has flagged unprofessional conduct by police officers in Nyandarua during a December 2024 Thanksgiving event attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a report published on Thursday, January 2, IPOA detailed its findings on the teargas incident, uncovering significant lapses in police professionalism.
The investigation revealed that authorities had prior intelligence about a group intending to disrupt the event. Several suspects were arrested early in the day but were released without being formally booked, raising accountability concerns.
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“At least 60 officers were deployed without an official operation order. The County Police Commander led the operation but failed to document her presence in the station’s Occurrence Book. Five suspects arrested in the morning for planning the disruption were later released on her instructions, with their details incompletely recorded,” the report stated.
Additionally, the report highlighted the arrest of a man, allegedly a police officer, for throwing a teargas canister. IPOA found that proper procedures were not followed during his arrest or release.
IPOA recommended disciplinary action against the officers involved, citing negligence and abuse of authority.
“The release of the suspected officer without formal booking underscores police misconduct and lack of accountability,” the authority emphasized. “IPOA urges enforcement of strict measures to address police negligence, inaction, and misconduct.”
IPOA Exposes Police in Gachagua Teargas Probe