In a heated session at the National Assembly, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) found itself on the defensive as it appeared before the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) to answer critical questions regarding its role in overseeing the National Police Service.
The session revealed deep concerns among legislators about the state of policing in Kenya, with IPOA’s efficacy in protecting public rights coming under intense scrutiny.
The Committee, chaired by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, expressed alarm over several issues, including the infiltration of the police payroll by unscrupulous companies, the challenges in harmonizing the Administration Police with the Kenya Police Service, and the increasing reports of public attacks on police officers.
However, the most pressing concerns were related to the accountability for the extreme use of force during peaceful protests, the raiding of homes by hooded officers, and the abduction of citizens.
“We have 61 deaths recorded from the Gen Z protests,” MP Wamuchomba highlighted during the session. “You haven’t been able to arrest or convict those responsible for the abductions, deaths, and violations of human rights. What has IPOA done?”
IPOA’s response that they have only nine regional offices and numerous cases to investigate was met with skepticism from the legislators. Roysambu MP Augustine Kamande Mwafrika questioned, “Isn’t your mandate to oversight police on behalf of the public? Why doesn’t IPOA seem to be hands-on with the recent atrocities happening in this country?”
Hooded police officers raiding homes
The Committee also took issue with IPOA’s communication strategy, particularly during the Gen Z protests and the abduction of various individuals.
The lawmakers were especially troubled by reports of hooded police officers raiding homes, a practice deemed illegal. IPOA defended itself, stating that such cases often fall under the ‘Multi-Agency approach,’ which obscures the identities of the officers involved, making it difficult to take action.
IPOA’s CEO Elema Halake admitted that these operations were not legal and expressed hope that the police service would abide by a High Court ruling that seeks to end such practices.
Further concerns were raised by MP Wamuchomba regarding the integrity of the police payroll, which has reportedly been infiltrated by two companies, leaving 6,860 officers in debt due to exploitation by entities posing as micro-financiers. IPOA, however, distanced itself from the issue, stating that payroll matters fall under the mandate of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
IPOA did make one notable recommendation during the session, advocating for the establishment of an independent forensics lab to prevent the tampering of evidence or biased results. Dr. Walter Owen Ogon, an IPOA Commissioner, mentioned that this recommendation had received support from the Maraga Taskforce and emphasized that the lab would operate independently from IPOA to maintain credibility.
The session also touched on the poor state of housing for police officers, with Samburu East MP Lentoijoni Jackson describing their living conditions as “pathetic” and in urgent need of improvement.
Despite IPOA’s explanations and recommendations, the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the authority’s perceived lack of accountability and proactivity in addressing the issues facing the Kenyan public. Wamuchomba’s final question encapsulated the frustrations of many present: “Is IPOA toothless, powerless? Are you not able to solve this?”
As the session concluded, it was clear that the National Assembly expects IPOA to step up its efforts in holding the police accountable and ensuring the protection of Kenyan citizens. The Committee’s concerns have now set the stage for further scrutiny of IPOA’s operations and effectiveness in fulfilling its oversight mandate.
