File image of IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting incident involving police officers in Karatina Town, Nyeri County.
In a statement on Monday, January 19, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan said the man identified as George Matheri was allegedly shot on Sunday night following a brief confrontation with the officer who was on patrol in Karatina town.
Hassan confirmed that the police officer suspected of having fired the fatal shot has been arrested and detained, pending further processing and arraignment in court.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) last night learnt of a shooting incident allegedly involving some police officers from Karatina Police Station, Mathira East Sub-County within Nyeri County.
“During the incident which happened at around 2300 hours on 18th January 2025, Mr. George Gathu Matheri was fatally shot following a brief confrontation with police officers who were on patrol within Karatina Town,” read the statement.
Hassan mentioned that the authority has deployed a Rapid Response Team from its Nyeri Regional Office to take over investigations and establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Authority has also secured the scene and is collecting critical evidence for forensic and ballistic analysis.
“IPOA has so far seized the scene of the incident and is collecting crucial evidence for forensic and ballistic analysis,” said Hassan.
Further, he urged any person who witnessed the incident to present themselves and give any information that may aid in the ongoing investigations.
“The Authority calls for anyone who may have witnessed the incident from the area to come forward with information that may assist in the ongoing investigation,” the IPOA Chairperson added.
The killing sparked unrest in the area on Sunday night, with residents barricading the Nairobi–Karatina highway, disrupting traffic flow, and vandalising property of unknown value as tensions escalated.
