IPOA probes shooting during protests in Vihiga

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into a fatal shooting incident during a public order operation in Luanda Township, Vihiga County, where protests over impounded motorcycles escalated into violence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, IPOA confirmed it is probing the circumstances surrounding the death of one civilian, injuries to seven police officers, and the arrest of five suspects following the unrest that disrupted normal activities along the Kisumu–Busia highway.

According to IPOA, the incident occurred on April 3, 2026, during a police operation conducted by officers from Luanda Police Station targeting motorcycle theft and related criminal activity.

“The operation was undertaken in response to multiple complaints regarding an increase in motorcycle theft and other motorcycle-related criminal activity. During the operation, twenty motorcycles were impounded for verification purposes,” the Authority said.

IPOA said tensions escalated at around 2 pm when members of the public became confrontational, leading to the disruption of traffic and confrontation with police officers on duty.

“At approximately 1400 hours, public unrest emerged within Luanda Township. Protesters barricaded the Kisumu–Busia highway, causing significant disruption to traffic flow and harassing motorists,” IPOA stated.

The oversight body further noted that the situation worsened after some individuals attempted to forcibly retrieve the impounded motorcycles from the police station, triggering a broader breakdown of order.

“Some individuals also attempted to forcibly retrieve the impounded motorcycles from the police station. The situation escalated into public disorder, during which incidents of looting from nearby premises were also reported,” the statement added.

Reinforcement officers were later deployed from neighbouring sub-counties, including Sabatia, Vihiga and Emuhaya, to restore calm and secure public infrastructure.

IPOA confirmed that one person was fatally injured during the confrontation, while seven police officers sustained injuries during efforts to restore order. Five individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest.

“IPOA monitors documented one fatality, the arrest of five suspected protesters, and injuries sustained by seven police officers during the course of the incident,” the Authority said.

The agency has since commenced formal investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the death and determine whether the use of force by police officers met legal and operational standards.

“In accordance with Section 6(a) of the IPOA Act, the Authority has initiated investigations into the death and injuries reported during the protests. The investigations will determine whether the use of force was justified and whether established public order management protocols were adhered to,” IPOA stated.

The oversight body urged members of the public to engage law enforcement agencies through formal channels when addressing grievances, warning against confrontational approaches that could escalate tensions.

It also called on the National Police Service to uphold constitutional rights while maintaining law and order during public demonstrations.

“IPOA calls upon members of the public to utilise established channels of engagement with the police to de-escalate tensions during such incidents,” the statement read.

The Authority extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured, including police officers affected during the incident.

“The Authority remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations into the matter,” IPOA said.