Nyeri: IPOA launches probe on death of man shot by police

In an official statement by IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, the incident ensued after police officers fatally shot George Gathu Matheri during a routine patrol within Karatina Town. 

Following Matheri's death, aggrieved residents barricaded the Nairobi-Karatina Highway and vandalised nearby businesses. 

IPOA officers were dispatched to the scene and collected crucial evidence for forensic and ballistic analysis. 

After conducting preliminary investigations, IPOA arrested the officer suspected of having shot Matheri amid the ongoing probe. 

The Authority called on eyewitnesses to provide relevant information that may assist in the probe. 

"IPOA assures the public that all efforts are being made to achieve justice for the family of the deceased. The Authority remains committed to independence, impartiality, and fairness."

According to a police report, Matheri was shot dead around 11:00 pm after he allegedly attempted to grab an AK-47 rifle from one of the officers, prompting the officer to fire four rounds twice in the head and chest, killing him on the spot.

During the incident, irate residents blocked the Nairobi-Karatina highway with burning tyres and debris, causing disruption.

One officer is said to have sustained an injury to his right ring finger while trying to separate the deceased from his colleague.

Two vehicles were also damaged — a police Ford Ranger had its front windscreen shattered, while a parked Isuzu truck at the petrol station was set ablaze and severely damaged.

Matheri's body was taken to Karatina District Hospital mortuary pending an autopsy.

shot dead by police officers at Rubis Petrol Station in Karatina town, Nyeri County, on Sunday night.

According to police, the incident occurred around 11:00 pm yesterday, when two Administration Police Service (APS) officers from Mathira East Sub-County were on routine patrol.