The Independent Policing Oversight Authority said Monday they are investigating the failure of police to provide security to private property in Nairobi.
The authority is also investigating the shootings that took place in Nairobi, Kisumu and Migori that left at least four people dead and in other parts of the country.
Chairperson Anne Makori said they monitored how the police engaged in public order management in the protests called for by the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party across the country.
The Authority noted and took up four matters for investigation, which will seek to establish the level of police compliance with Article 244 of the Constitution, the Public Order Act and any other laws related to public management and the use of force.
The matters under investigation include but are not limited to where police failed to provide security to private property in Nairobi.
This is in relation to the attack on property of former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimiol leader Raila Odinga in Ruiru and Industrial Area.
Goons raided the farm in Ruiru and stole more than 4,000 sheep and goats before setting a section of it on fire.
They also tried to steal cows from the farm. The invasion took place in broad daylight with no police on site to disperse them.
Some had come with lorries to ferry the sheep and goats stolen from the farm.
Another group went to Raila’s gas cylinder factory and stoned it before escaping. No police were on site.
“The Authority strongly calls upon the police to abide by the law in exercising their constitutional function of protection of life and property in line with the National Police Service Act, Section 24 (d),” said Makori.
The authority usually conducts such a probe and sends the files to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions with various recommendations.
On Tuesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary who had been missing from earlier meetings held between police commanders and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said there is a need to stop the chaos being witnessed.
“We must protect our Country from sliding into irretrievable anarchy,” he said in social media posts.
Insiders said he was not happy with the manner in which some things were handled in the Monday protests.
Other sources said police had been instructed to stand down from responding to the sites.
This is even after Raila had issued a statement to reveal there were plans for such chaos.
This left the invaders with the freedom to attack and loot property at the Northlands Farm.