The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened investigations into the fatal shooting of two boda boda riders in Makongeni, Thika West.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 9, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the probe was prompted by a report from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concerning one of its officers linked to the incident.

“On Sunday, September 7, 2025, IPOA received a notification from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Thika West and Makongeni Police Station in Thika West Subcounty, regarding the fatal shooting of two ‘Boda Boda’ motorists from Thika. The report linked the shooting to a police officer attached to the DCI,” he said.

Adding “Upon receiving the notification, commenced investigations into the shooting, pursuant to the provision of Section 6(a) of the IPOA Act.”

According to IPOA, the incident occurred on Sunday, September 7, 2025, after a minor accident between the DCI officer and a motorcycle carrying two men.

While earlier reports suggested the victims were bystanders who confronted the officer, since identified as Erick Gitonga Nyaga, IPOA clarified that they were directly involved in the accident.

At around 5:30 am, Gitonga’s Audi collided with the motorbike just 200 metres from Makongeni Police Station.

A dispute followed, prompting both parties to head to the station to report the matter. Traffic police from Thika arrived at around 6:00 am.

At the scene, the DCI officer — allegedly intoxicated — became confrontational and shot the rider and his passenger in front of police officers.

He was quickly disarmed and arrested before being taken to Thika Police Station. The bodies of the victims, Kennedy Ojuma and Stephen Mwendwa, were moved to General Kago Mortuary for a postmortem.

IPOA has since collected key documents, including OB records, duty rosters, and signals from the two police stations, and nine officers have already given statements.

During Gitonga’s court appearance on Monday in Kiambu, IPOA requested 21 days of detention to finalise its probe. The authority also plans to oversee autopsies, secure additional witness accounts, conduct ballistic tests on the firearm, and review CCTV footage.

In the aftermath of the shooting, boda boda riders retaliated by burning the officer’s Audi.