What Happened at Multimedia University? Investigating Police Brutality and the Controversial Protests
IPOA has launched an investigation into excessive police force during Multimedia University protests, where a teargas canister explosion caused a fire and severe student injuries. Preliminary findings and next steps are detailed.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) announced on Wednesday that investigations are underway following an incident involving police officers captured on video using excessive force against a Multimedia University student during protests on Tuesday.
Preliminary findings from IPOA suggest that police threw a teargas canister into a girls' hostel, which exploded and caused a fire. Fortunately, university staff were able to extinguish the flames. Additionally, the student seen in the video reportedly sustained a severe leg injury after being tortured and left near another teargas canister that later exploded.
"The Authority established that police lobbed a teargas canister in a girls' hostel, causing an explosion and a fire that was later put out by the university staff," IPOA confirmed. The student's identity was determined, and IPOA added, "Upon conclusion of the investigation, IPOA will recommend action, including but not limited to the prosecution of officers if found responsible."
IPOA launched the investigation immediately after reports emerged that students were injured during the protests at Multimedia University. "The Independent Policing Oversight Authority initiated investigations on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, following reports of injuries sustained by students during demonstrations," IPOA stated. A Rapid Response Team was dispatched to the university to verify the authenticity of the widely shared video showing police officers assaulting a student.
The protests, which took place along Magadi Road in Rongai, Nairobi, were organized by students demanding better hygiene standards from the university's management. During the demonstrations, incidents of police brutality were reported, with videos circulating online showing a student being violently manhandled by officers wearing helmets and riot gear.
Despite the student’s pleas for mercy, the officers continued their assault. The video shows one officer throwing a teargas canister next to the student, which exploded, while the officers continued to push him to the ground before leaving the scene. Other students could be heard in the video, speaking in subdued tones, likely out of fear of retaliation.
The investigation is ongoing, and IPOA has pledged to take appropriate action based on the findings.
Read our latest post now!
What's Your Reaction?
