Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has defended DIG Eliud Lagat. Photo: Didmus Barasa Facebook.
Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has defended Deputy Inspector General of police (DIG) Eliud Lagat from the public, saying that Lagat is a good officer.
Speaking outside Bunge Towers, Barasa said that National Police Officers are being victimized and target by members of the public and oversight bodies. According to the UDA legislator, the continued criticism towards the police puts a threat to the national security, as officers might be demoralized to deal with insecurity.
“We are witnessing a scenario where everyone has suddenly become an expert on security. People want to dictate who should be arrested and how. If we continue with this trend, our police officers will begin to fear executing their duties, which will inevitably lead to a rise in insecurity,” Barasa remarked.
He further stated that he will be sponsoring a bill to disband Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), accusing the oversight body for intimidating police officers in line of duty. Additionally, Barasa added that IPOA has failed in performance and is currently interfering with the work of the uniformed men and women.
“I have set up a team in my office to review these proposals. The amendments will be out soon,” he said. “I will propose to either disband IPOA or restructure it to operate similarly to how Parliamentary committees handle petitions,” he stated.
Further faulting IPOA for instilling fear, Barasa said that the recent link of police officers in the murder of X blogger Albert Ojwang’, he acknowledged that mistakes happen but the humiliation and legal consequences towards the police is unfair. Further arguing that IPOA is overstepping its assigned duties.
Defending Lagat in the case after public outrage of his resignation, he said that Lagat is a well decorated and excellent officer, and those calling for his resignation are using the issue to advance their political career.
He further cautioned protesters not to prove police officers during protests, as seen in recent protests, protesters were trying to unmask an officer. According to Barasa, that is a security risk.
“There is a reason why officers deployed to protect lives and property are issued with firearms and not buttons!” Barasa remarked.
His defense come even as Lagat is expected to record his statement following involvment in the murder of Homabay county blogger Albert Ojwang’.
