Issack Hassan, the nominee for the position of Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), has disclosed his net worth during his vetting by Parliament’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security. In a session on Friday, Hassan revealed an estimated value of Ksh. 100 million, a sum based on rough estimates of his assets rather than a formal valuation.
Hassan, who served as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from 2011 to 2016, elaborated on his wealth, citing ownership of rental apartments, vehicles, and multiple business ventures. He stated that he owned an apartment in Kileleshwa, as well as properties and buildings in Garissa. “I have an apartment in Kileleshwa, vehicles, and buildings in Garissa. The total amount is around Ksh.100 million. I’m giving estimates because I did not do any valuation,” he told the committee.
The declaration of his net worth comes as part of the vetting process for his nomination to head IPOA, a body tasked with overseeing the conduct of police officers in Kenya. His confirmation would place him in a pivotal position at a time when the police force is grappling with issues surrounding public trust, particularly after incidents of excessive force during the Gen Z protests in mid-2024. Hassan emphasized the need for public engagement and restoring confidence within the police service.
“One of my primary tasks will be engaging with the public to restore confidence within the police service,” Hassan explained during the session. “We need to have robust engagement with the public. It’s very hard to draw a line but where officers use excessive force, it’s very clear.” This statement aligns with the ongoing discussions about police reform and accountability in Kenya, particularly after the controversial use of brute force against protestors. Hassan’s commitment to engaging with the public comes as part of a broader push to address concerns about police brutality, a persistent issue in Kenya’s law enforcement landscape.
While his candidacy for the IPOA chairmanship is supported by President William Ruto, Hassan’s past at the helm of the IEBC remains a point of contention. His leadership of the electoral body during a turbulent period in Kenya’s political history, including the 2013 and 2017 elections, continues to provoke mixed reactions. Some lawmakers questioned how his prior experience would help him navigate the challenges at IPOA, particularly in restoring public confidence in the police.
Hassan defended his track record by drawing on his extensive experience, noting the challenges of working in Somalia, a country ravaged by civil war and lawlessness. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law as a safeguard against violence and instability. “Working in Somalia has shown me what a civil war can do to a country. Everything is destroyed and there’s no rule of law,” he said. “In 2007, we also went to the brink of civil war; we should never again, and how do we do that? By respecting the rule of law.”
Hassan’s vision for IPOA underscores a focus on accountability and transparency. He acknowledged that Kenya’s police service is under scrutiny, especially after several high-profile cases of police brutality. However, he expressed confidence that through open dialogue and better oversight, trust could be rebuilt between the police and the public.
The nomination of Issack Hassan to head IPOA is a strategic move by President Ruto, who outwitted eight other shortlisted candidates for the position. If confirmed, Hassan will be tasked with navigating a delicate balancing act ensuring that the police force operates with integrity while addressing concerns about public safety and rights.
As the vetting process continues, Hassan’s leadership abilities and his approach to police reforms will be closely watched. His success or failure in this new role will likely have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s policing landscape, as well as for the broader quest for justice and accountability within the country.
