IPOA launches probe into death of two men found in Thika River after police arrest

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the suspected murder of two men whose bodies were retrieved from Thika River after they were reportedly arrested by police.

The two young men; Nicholas Maithya and Asman Kamau aged 15 and 18, had been arrested by police officers and the assistant chief, Rubiru village in Gatanga who accused them of participating in rampant brewing of illicit liquor along the river.

Gatanga Deputy Sub-county Police Commander Simon Mulu said the two men drowned while running away from the assistant chief who was pursuing illegal brewers along the river.

However, eyewitnesses claim that the two were assaulted, handcuffed together and pushed into the river in Rubiru village, Murang’a County

The residents say one body was retrieved with handcuffs and the other body had handcuff marks but police have denied any involvement in the deaths.

“In line with its mandate, IPOA took up the matter for investigations as it seeks to establish what exactly transpired and if the police were involved as
alleged by the witness accounts. The investigations are ongoing,” said IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori.

The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Thika Level 5 mortuary.