The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken a resolute stand to actively monitor and investigate the conduct of police officers during mass demonstrations in Kenya.
In a significant move aimed at ensuring accountability and safeguarding the rights of both civilians and members of the Police Service, IPOA is diligently carrying out its mandate.
The Authority reassures Kenyans, State and Non-State institutions of its commitment to impartially and thoroughly assess any matter that falls under its purview.
With the guiding principles of Section 6 (c) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, IPOA remains steadfast in its duty to "monitor and investigate policing operations affecting members of the public." Additionally, the Authority is empowered by Section 7 of the IPOA Act to investigate "any death or serious injury occurring or suspected to have occurred as a result of police action."
Beyond holding the police accountable, IPOA is also analyzing events that may have obstructed the police in performing their core function of protecting life and property.
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The Authority has taken upon itself the responsibility to investigate reported cases, as well as those initiated independently, including incidents of deaths resulting from gunshots, injuries to civilians and police, assaults on journalists, and arrests of civilians.
Throughout these investigations, IPOA pledges to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals involved, including members of the Police Service, adhering to the guidelines set forth in Chapter Four of the Constitution and Section 24 of the IPOA Act.
"IPOA is therefore investigating cases reported to us and those undertaken on our own motion including; reported deaths from gunshots, injuries to civilians and police, assault of journalists and arrests of civilians," IPOA said.
"Our investigations will take into account the fundamental rights and freedoms of all the individuals concerned, including members of the Police Service, in accordance with Chapter Four of the Constitution, and as dictated by Section 24 of the IPOA Act."
In a firm stance against acts of lawlessness, IPOA condemns the actions of some members of the public, which have resulted in the loss of property and injuries to a number of police officers.
As the National Police Service (NPS) continues its efforts to contain such instances, IPOA recommends the use of proportionate force, as outlined in the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act.
To ensure transparency and comprehensiveness in its assessment, IPOA expressed its commitment to releasing a consolidated report with its findings and recommendations.
This report will be shared with various agencies, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the National Police Service.
"As an output of its monitoring operation on the conduct of police during the demonstrations, IPOA will release a consolidated report with findings and recommendations to various agencies including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the National Police Service," the statement read.
The focus of the report will be on evaluating the overall conduct and operational efficiency of the NPS in fulfilling its mandate. Furthermore, individual investigations will progress independently until they reach a conclusion.
Emphasizing its unwavering commitment to integrity and non-partisanship, IPOA affirms its dedication to conducting all investigations independently and fairly.
The Chairperson, Anne Makori, E.B.S., reiterates that the Authority remains apolitical, ensuring its primary focus is on upholding justice and protecting the rights of all Kenyans.
In light of IPOA's proactive approach to monitoring and investigating police conduct during mass demonstrations, the Kenyan public expects a robust pursuit of accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
As the investigations proceed, IPOA's steadfast commitment to justice will undoubtedly foster public trust in the oversight mechanisms designed to maintain the highest standards in law enforcement.
