The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced investigations into police brutality targeting University of Nairobi Students.
This is after a viral video was released on social media showing anti-riot police armed with batons beating up the students in one of the hostels.
In a statement on Friday IPOA’s head of communication and outreach Dennis Danson Oketch said they have dispatched its Rapid Response Unit to investigate the matter.
“IPOA in its own motion has proceeded to dispatch its Rapid Response Unit to investigate the matter. IPOA will investigate the allegation of assault and any other misconduct against the police officers,” read the statement.
The unit will query members of the public who witnessed the brutality and some of the students, some of who were victims.
“The Authority request for information that can further investigations from any member of the public including students who were at any of the affected scenes to report to IPOA,” concludes the statements.
In the video, a contingent of anti-riot police armed with batons are seen mercilessly whipping the students while others frog-jump in a single file and still get a beating.
The students had previously protested the detention of SONU leader and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Babu was arrested on Monday for hurling derogatory words at President Uhuru Kenyatta and his mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
He was detained for two days at Kileleshwa police station before he was released kon a sh500, 000 bond by Chief magistrate Francis Andayi on Wednesday.
But even before he got outside the premises, he was re-arrested and arraigned at a Kibera Court on Thursday where he was charged with causing grievous bodily harm during elections.
He was released on sh200, 000 bond.