This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
On August 25, 2020, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) opened an investigation into the weekend killing of 8 people in Nairobi, suspected of being criminals.
The slain men were shot dead by police on Sunday night, allegedly while stealing from a go-down in Industrial Area. Police claimed they had already loaded some goods on a lorry when they were confronted.
According to IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori, the authority aims to determine if police were justified in using lethal force, as a last resort, to avoid a case of extra-judicial killing.
"The investigation team is aware that the use of lethal force by police officers shall be the last resort and when applicable, the determination is made in accordance with the laid down procedures," she said in a statement.
Authorities reported recovering two homemade guns and machetes from the scene of the crime.
The Kenyan police have faced criticism for increased cases of extra-judicial killings, with IPOA recommending charges against several officers whose cases are pending in court.
