Ipoa confirms Kabarak University student died in police car accident
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) confirmed the Kabarak University who recently died along the Nakuru-Ravine road was hit by a police motor vehicle.
Ipoa chairperson Anne Makori while giving an update on the investigations into the death of Joshua Limo Arekou said preliminary investigations revealed the Rapid Response Team of Nakuru investigators have identified witnesses who collaborated their findings.
“Having visited the scene of the incident, the team identified witnesses whose accounts we deem to be critical in ensuring that at the end of investigations, justice is served,” she said in a statement.
Makori said the authority will attend a postmortem examination.
“We have contacted the bereaved family and again, extend condolences to the university fraternity, his friends and all other aggrieved persons,” she added.
According to Makori, these are some of the initial steps of the many investigatory processes at the disposal of the Authority concerning the case.
The authority said it invoked Section 7(1) (a) (x) of the IPOA Act after netizens publicized the accident on social media.
“Upon learning of the death of Mr. Joshua Limo Arekou – following a road crash at Kabarak, Nakuru – Ravine Road, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, and widely publicized in social media platforms, the Authority invoked Section 7(1) (a) (x) of IPOA Act,” read the statement.
They also disclosed that the police vehicle that was involved in the tragic accident bears the registration GKB 396Z.
She pleaded with the aggrieved persons to remain calm saying that Ipoa commits to fair, impartial and independent investigations.
According to witnesses, the driver of the vehicle bearing government registration plates lost control after missing a bump before hitting the student.
The student was rushed to the school’s sanatorium where he was pronounced dead a few minutes after arrival.
On Sunday, students from the learning institution took to the streets to protest the death of the first-year pharmacy student who was hit by a police vehicle that fled the scene of the accident.
The university vice chancellor Henry Kiplagat in a statement while calling for calm said that the institution’s management is in contact with the deceased family to assist during the difficult time.
They also welcomed dialogue with the student’s faculty as well as the staff in a bid to ensure peace and safety of all students.
“The unfortunate incident occurred at around 9pm on November 18. Eyewitnesses accounts affirm that Joshua was struck by a police vehicle,” the Vice chancellor stated.
In a statement issued by the Kabarak University Students Organization (KUSO), the students’ leader expressed her deepest condolences to the family on behalf of the students adding that they shall not let the matter be swept under the rug.
“We strongly condemn this reckless act and are deeply concerned about the apparent negligence that led to such a tragic loss. The issue is being followed up at Menengai Police Station under OB no. 02/19/11/2023. The safety of our students is of utmost importance, and we will not rest until justice is served for our fallen brother and friend,” read the KUSO statement in part.
According to the student body, the university will give a comprehensive statement after a postmortem has been done.
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