Why Ipoa wants injured students not to leave closed university
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Ipoa has asked university students injured last week during demonstrations not to leave before they record a statement with the Authority.
Ipoa made the appeal immediately after the University of Nairobi’s administrators announced the indefinite closure of the institution ‘due to the deteriorating security situation’.
There have been concerns and complaints from Kenyans, human rights groups and political leaders that police officers deployed to quell chaos during demonstrations at the University used excessive force against the students.
Demonstrations started when Embakasi East Mp Paul Ongili, who was also a long serving student leader at the University, was arrested and charged with subversion.
RE-ARRESTED AND CHARGED
Upon release on a Sh500,000 bail, he was re-arrested and charged with causing grievous harm to a voter and use of force during the August 8 general elections.
Police have been accused of entering classes and dormitories, beating and torturing university students who were not involved in the demonstrations.
Ipoa on Monday said it had started investigations into the allegations against the police.
On Tuesday, the Authority urged students to record statements at their offices at the ACK Garden Annex along Ngong 1ST Avenue.
“Recording these statements will assist in fast tracking the investigation process,” Ipoa CEO Joel Mabonga said in a statement.