Police officers arrested over killing of two residents at Garissa market

Two police officers have been arrested over a shooting incident that left two people dead at Soko Ng’ombe market within Garissa Township.

The victims were gunned down during a confrontation between police officers and area residents who were demanding the release of a suspect who had been apprehended by plain-clothed DCI officers.

According to Garissa Police Commander Alfred Ongnego, the officers had gone to arrest a murder suspect when residents intervened and helped his escape.

The police boss says during the scuffle, two locals were fatally shot sparking chaos and protests for the better part of Saturday.

Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to carry out forensic analysis on the firearms used by the officers.

“The investigations with input from IPOA and ODPP shall be able to establish whether the officers were justified to use their firearms or not,” said the National Police Service on Sunday.

Leaders from Garissa including Governor Ali Korane and MP Aden Duale condemned the incident calling for immediate action.

Meanwhile, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened a probe into the shooting of two Garissa residents by police officers.

IPOA Chairperson Ann Makori in a statement on Saturday said the Authority had dispatched its Rapid Investigations Team to Garissa County to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal shootings.

“Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Authority will make appropriate recommendations; including prosecution in the event the officers are indicted for using lethal force inappropriately,” she said.