IPOA Under Scrutiny: National Assembly Presses for Accountability Amid Rising Concerns

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) found itself facing intense scrutiny over its effectiveness in overseeing the National Police Service. Chaired by Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) questioned IPOA’s ability to address mounting concerns about policing practices in Kenya.

The session revealed deep-seated frustrations among legislators regarding the state of policing, with IPOA’s oversight capabilities coming under severe scrutiny. Key issues included allegations of infiltration of the police payroll by unscrupulous companies, challenges in integrating the Administration Police with the Kenya Police Service, and an alarming increase in attacks on police officers by the public.

However, the most pressing concerns were centered around IPOA’s handling of police misconduct. The Committee criticized IPOA’s lack of accountability in cases involving excessive use of force during peaceful protests, unlawful home raids by hooded officers, and the abduction of citizens. Wamuchomba highlighted the gravity of the situation by citing 61 deaths recorded from recent Gen Z protests, demanding to know what actions IPOA had taken to address these grave violations.

In response, IPOA’s representatives pointed to their limited resources as a significant constraint. Operating with just nine regional offices, IPOA has been overwhelmed with numerous cases. However, this explanation failed to assuage the concerns of the Committee members.

Roysambu MP Augustine Mwafrika challenged IPOA’s effectiveness, questioning why the authority appeared to be disengaged from addressing recent atrocities. The Committee expressed frustration over IPOA’s communication strategy, particularly during the Gen Z protests and the abduction cases. Reports of hooded officers conducting illegal raids further fueled concerns about IPOA’s ability to hold the police accountable.

IPOA defended its stance by attributing some incidents to a ‘Multi-Agency approach,’ which obscures the identities of officers involved, complicating accountability. IPOA’s CEO admitted that these operations were illegal and expressed hope that the police service would adhere to a High Court ruling aimed at curbing such practices.

Compounding the issues, Wamuchomba reported on the integrity of the police payroll, revealing that it had been infiltrated by two companies, resulting in 6,860 officers being exploited and left in debt. IPOA distanced itself from this matter, asserting that payroll issues fall under the jurisdiction of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). Nonetheless, the Committee remained unimpressed with IPOA’s handling of the situation.

As the session drew to a close, Wamuchomba’s final query encapsulated the overarching sentiment: “Is IPOA toothless, powerless? Are you not able to solve this?” The Committee’s concerns set the stage for further scrutiny of IPOA’s operations and its effectiveness in fulfilling its oversight mandate.

In an effort to address some of the highlighted issues, IPOA proposed the establishment of an independent forensics lab. Dr. Walter Owen Ogon, an IPOA Commissioner, highlighted that this proposal, which had received support from the Maraga Taskforce, aimed to prevent evidence tampering and ensure unbiased results. The lab would operate independently to maintain its credibility, a move IPOA hopes will bolster its oversight capabilities.

The session also touched on the dire state of housing for police officers, with Samburu East MP Lentoijoni Jackson describing their living conditions as “pathetic” and in urgent need of improvement.

The National Assembly’s call for more decisive action from IPOA underscores a pressing need for enhanced accountability within the police force. As IPOA faces increased scrutiny, the effectiveness of its oversight will be critical in ensuring that the rights of Kenyan citizens are safeguarded and that the police service is held accountable for its actions.