The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has written to lawmakers who were teargassed by police on Tuesday at the Office of the President in Nairobi.
In the letter, Ipoa indicated that it has commenced investigations into the incident and was therefore asking the legislators for any relevant information regarding the matter.
“Confirm to our investigators your availability for statement recording regarding the incident,” the letter, seen by the Star reads.
Ipoa has also asked the lawmakers to help its investigators to identify other victims or witnesses.
“Section 7(1) (a) (i) of the Independent Policing Authority Act accords the authority power to gather information it considers necessary by such lawful means as it may deem appropriate including requisition of reports, records and documents from any source,” Ipoa stated.
Some Azimio lawmakers were teargassed outside the Office of the President as they sought an audience with the Head of State.
The lawmakers were caught in the fracas while on their way to the premises to present a petition on the issues they wanted the government to address.
According to a tweet by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the group of about 50 Azimio-allied lawmakers marched peacefully to present their grievances when the police took action.
“My colleagues and I have been teargassed outside the Office of the President as we marched peacefully to deliver the people’s petition. Gachagua told us we knew where to find them. We do. We went there and instead met the police. Cowards!” Sifuna tweeted shortly after the incident.
The Azimio team had planned to show up at the Office of the President to present a petition over the high cost of living.
