IPOA to recommend compensation for rogue policeman victims
A psychologist has advised police officers to seek counseling and vocational training to assist them to cope with the harsh and demanding conditions that come with their job description.
Paul Ngunyi, an Industrial Psychologist and founder of Better People Academy, also urged the public and families of police officers to offer them consistent support.
He said: “They should frequently attend training, say like every three to six months. They need to form support groups where they can meet each month just to talk about their lives, daily struggles and encourage each other.”
Ngunyi spoke as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed it was probing an incident in which a police officer turned rogue and shot dead seven people, including himself and his wife on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
Via a statement seen by Nairobi News, Anne Makori, the IPOA Chairperson explained that investigations are underway to get to the bottom of the incident, which she termed as horrific.
“The Authority this morning dispatched its Rapid Response team to obtain information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident,”
“Upon conclusion of the investigations, the Authority will make appropriate recommendations to relevant institutions including recommendations for compensation of victims of police actions as envisioned in Section 6 of the IPOA Act and Section 10 (1t) of the National Police Service Act,” stated the IPOA boss.
Residents of Kabete, in Kiambu County, woke up to chilling news that Police Constable Benson Imbasi had killed his wife by shooting her.
He then went into a frenzy shooting anyone on sight outside their home before ending his life.
The latest tragedy highlights the skyrocketing cases of law enforcement officers turning against their loved ones, colleagues, and even the public in general before committing suicide, raising alarm across the country.
The incident caused an uproar in the area leading to demonstrations and destruction of property.