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Statement fake – but Kenya’s prosecutions boss has ordered investigation into police attack on politician

What appears to be a press statement by Kenya’s director of public prosecutions Noordin Haji has been posted on Facebook

It says Haji has called for a speedy investigation into the brutal beating of politician Patricia Mutheu by police officers at the Nairobi County Assembly on 28 July 2020. Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and one of the country’s 47 counties.

“Pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the constitution, I have directed IPOA and DCI through the IG to have the matter expedited and the resultant files forwarded to my office for appropriate action,” the statement reads.

IPOA is the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, charged with holding the police accountable. DCI is the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and IG the inspector general of police, a position currently held by Hillary Mutyambai.

But did Haji issue this statement?



Fake, but ...


On 29 July Haji’s office tweeted a screenshot of the statement, stamped “FAKE”.

 



“Please note this letter purporting to have been authored by @ODPP_KE is fake” the tweet reads.

“DPP Noordin Haji has however directed @IPOA_KE to carry out thorough investigations into the matter and forward the resultant file to his office for appropriate direction.” 

The statement is fake, but the director has ordered the IPOA to investigate police officers’ attack on Mutheu and report its findings to his office. – Grace Gichuhi




 

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