IPOA Orders Probe Into Police Over Gachagua Tear Gas Incident in Shamata

The Independent Policing Oversite Authority (IPOA) has recommended that disciplinary action be taken against Nyandarua police chiefs for negligence and misconduct over the chaotic events that happened at the Shamata Stadium in Nyandarua County on December 28.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his envoy were forced to scamper for safety on December 28 when he had attended a Thanksgiving event at Shamata Stadium that turned chaotic with police lobbing teargas and firing shots.

After investigations, IPOA has found the police responsible for the chaos in the event and has called for accountability.

“On its own, IPOA conducted thorough investigations into police inaction, negligence, and misconduct and recommends that accountability measures be enforced for officers involved in the inappropriate handling of the incident,” IPOA directed.

According to the findings by IPOA, the event, which was organised by the area MCA, was initially cancelled but later approved by the Aberdare Sub-County Security Committee on December 27.

Malice was noticed in the event from the onset, as at least 60 police officers were deployed without an official operation order. IPOA says that the County Police Commander led the operation but did not log her presence in the station’s Occurrence Book (OB).

Five police officers had been arrested in the morning before the event for plans to disrupt the event, but they were eventually released on instructions from the County Police Commander.

“The released suspects’ details were not fully recorded in the Occurrence Book, raising accountability concerns,” IPOA noted.

Additionally, the suspects involved in the teargas incident were also released without being formally booked or investigated, a move IPOA termed unprofessional and indicative of negligence.

“Despite intelligence on potential disruption, no Operation Order was prepared for public order management of the event. The suspect police officer’s release without formal booking or investigations highlights negligence and possible abuse of authority by the police,” the Authority continued.

During the event, police lobbed teargas canisters that landed near the dais during Nyandarua Senator John Methu’s speech.

While the Senator appeared unshaken in the video footage that circulated online, panic gripped the attendees, with guests, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, fleeing for safety.