The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is under pressure to act after Nyandarua Senator John Methu survived what opposition leaders are calling an attempted assassination.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 27, in Murang’a County, has sparked outrage from various political figures, with Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party leading calls for justice.
Addressing the press at Liberation House on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Karua described the police attack on Methu and his team as a clear case of targeted violence.
“These were not just random bullets. These were targeted attempts to eliminate specific opposition leaders,” Karua said. “We have evidence, and IPOA has it now. They must act.”
Photos from the scene showed Methu’s car riddled with bullet holes, its windshield shattered. Methu himself told reporters that the attack happened while they were attending a church service in Kigumo with allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
PLP boss Martha Karua during a past political rally. Photo: Martha Karua Source: Facebook
“This was not crowd control. This was a direct, dangerous attempt to silence the opposition. It was extreme, excessive, and unlawful,” said the senator.
The opposition now wants the officers behind the incident, as well as top leadership at the National Police Service, held accountable. Karua directly named Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen as responsible for the conduct of officers under their watch.
“We cannot allow a situation where law enforcement becomes a tool for political suppression,” she said.
Despite IPOA confirming receipt of evidence, the body has yet to issue a formal statement, leading to growing frustration among opposition leaders.
“They have the power to investigate. They must not sit on this matter,” said Karua.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about police neutrality in political matters, with activists and civil society groups now closely monitoring IPOA’s response.
“This is a test of IPOA’s credibility,” one human rights advocate said. “How they handle this could define public trust going forward.”