In a statement released by IPOA, the incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at around 11 pm.
The authority said the victim, identified as Mr. George Gathu Matheri, was shot after a brief confrontation with police officers who were on patrol in Karatina town.
“During the incident which happened at around 2300 hours on January 18, 2026, Mr. George Gathu Matheri was fatally shot following a brief confrontation with police officers who were on patrol in Karatina town,” IPOA said.
The statement further confirmed that the police officer suspected of firing the fatal shot has been arrested and detained. The officer will be processed and later arraigned in court.
The shooting has sparked anger and fear among residents, leading to a tense situation in the area. Following the death of Mr. Matheri, locals took to the streets to protest.
Residents blocked the busy Nairobi-Karatina highway and lit bonfires, causing major traffic disruption.
The protests continued into the night as people demanded justice and a transparent investigation.
IPOA’s announcement aims to reassure the public that the matter is being handled and that the officer involved will face the legal process.
The authority emphasized that it is committed to ensuring accountability in cases involving police officers.
The incident has raised concerns about police conduct during patrols and the use of firearms in public spaces.
Many residents have called for calm and urged authorities to carry out a fair and thorough investigation.