DPP wants askari tried over killing

What you need to know:

  • Two other askaris will be prosecuted for various offences.
  • Sikona ole Muntet was taking photographs when he was hit by a bullet.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has given the nod to the prosecution of a Narok County askari for the killing of a photographer during protests.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) conducted investigations into the death of Mr Sikona ole Muntet.

He was shot on January 26 during demonstrations against Narok Governor Samuel ole Tunai.

Senior Sergeant Julius Taporu Dikir of the Narok County Rangers has been charged with the killing.

Two other askaris will be prosecuted for various offences committed during the demonstrations.

Warden II Moses Kuiyoni and Sergeant Samwel Kishoyian are to be charged with unlawful wounding of individuals.

EIGHT INJURED

Eight people, including two police officers, were injured during the chaos.

Mr Muntet was taking photographs when he was hit by a bullet.

Mr Tobiko gave Ipoa the green light to charge the askari after going through the investigations report.

He directed Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet to arrest the three officers.

A report by Ipoa says the authority commenced investigations to unravel the circumstances leading to the shooting of the men, particularly to establish the legality and justification of the use of firearms.

POLICING DUTIES

“It became apparent that the shootings were not carried out by members of the National Police Service but by Narok County Rangers, a uniformed unit deployed to provide security for the county government.”

Ipoa has conducted inquiries into police conduct since its formation in 2012.

By upholding its recommendation, Mr Tobiko has confirmed that Ipoa has powers to hold accountable anyone who violates the law while conducting policing duties, even if they are not police officers.

The authority’s report says: “The Narok County Rangers were performing policing duties and therefore fell within the ambit of the Ipoa oversight mandate.”