IPOA speaks on deaths of two Embu brothers, issues three recommendations
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has released an update on investigations into the deaths of two brothers in the Kianjokoma area, Embu County.
According to IPOA, investigations into the death of two brothers have been completed and six police officers believed to have been involved in the deaths of Benson Njiru Ndwiga and Emmanuel Mutura Ndwiga have been identified.
The two brothers were found dead two days after they were arrested by police officers for flouting Covid-19 measures.
IPOA has in consequence recommended immediate interdiction of the six officers involved and directed the DPP Noordin Haji to charge the officers with murder.
“The officers be relieved of their duties immediately pending the outcome of an independent review of the findings forwarded to the Director of Public prosecution. As it stands now, the six officers face capital offence- Murder. This recommendation is not likely to take a different direction,” IPOA said in a statement.
The authority further recommended that the officers should surrender any government store in their possession, including firearms, with immediate effect.
The body has also directed the officers and their commanders to avail themselves to IPOA investigators immediately they are needed.
IPOA is also pursuing other charges including negligence in the performance of duty by officers who attended to the demise of the two brothers.
At the same time, DPP Haji has ordered Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to immediately arrest the six officers involved so that they may not interfere with witnesses and or evidence.
“Based on preliminary investigations forwarded by the Inspector General of Police, I am shortly directing the IG to immediately arrest and arraign in court, in Nairobi, all officers involved pending investigations by IPOA to avoid any interference with evidence and or intimidation of witnesses,” Haji said.
