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Police mishandled the arrest and processing of the suspect involved in throwing a teargas canister at Gachagua's meeting in Shamata, Nyandarua, IPOA reports.
In its findings, IPOA revealed that the suspect, who claimed to be a police officer from Athi River, was taken to Ndaragwa Police Station but was not formally booked. The suspect was later released without any investigation.
Additionally, the report highlighted that "at least 60 police officers were deployed without an official operation order."
IPOA noted that the County Police Commander led the operation but failed to log her presence in the station's Occurrence Book.
Five suspects were arrested in the morning for allegedly planning to disrupt the event. However, they were later released following orders from the County Police Commander.
The details of the released suspects were not fully recorded in the Occurrence Book, raising concerns about accountability.
According to IPOA, the police's actions reflect inaction, negligence, and misconduct, prompting the authority to recommend accountability measures against officers involved in mishandling the incident.
The report comes just days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's meeting took an unexpected turn when a teargas canister was hurled near the podium, close to the VIP tent.
The thanksgiving prayer service at Shamata grounds, attended by several politicians, was proceeding calmly until chaos erupted.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu had just taken the stage when the teargas canister landed a few meters from where he stood. As smoke filled the air, guests fled in panic, disrupting the event.
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