IPOA opens probe into shooting of two Garissa residents, Governor Korane blames police

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened a probe into the shooting of two Garissa residents by police officers.

IPOA Chairperson Ann Makori in a statement on Saturday said the Authority had dispatched its Rapid Investigations Team to Garissa County to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal shootings.

“Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Authority will make appropriate recommendations; including prosecution in the event the officers are indicted for using lethal force inappropriately,” she said.

The two residents were allegedly killed by police officers on a security operation to enforce an arrest on Saturday.

Garissa Governor Ali Korane condemned the shootings terming the incident as a cold-blooded and heinous murder, calling on the Interior Ministry to take immediate action against the officers.

“I condemn the cold blooded and heinous murder of 2 innocent Kenyans at the Garissa Livestock Market, in Garissa town by the police. The rogue killer cops must be brought to book,” said Korane in a tweet.

At the same time, the Governor called for calm in the area after agitated residents embarked on protests demanding justice over the shooting.

“While I condemn the murder of two people in Garissa by police and understand the anger and protest by the community, I wish to call for restraint and refrain from violence and destruction of property,” he added.