IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan has stated that IPOA will not cover up for nay rogue police officer. photo: KNA.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), has announced that a number of investigation files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Monday, on dealing with police misconduct.
Speaking during a press briefing, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Isaack Hassan affirmed the Authority’s commitment to work in transparency and accountability, further stating that they will not allow any form of cover up, nor intimidated in doing their work as required.
Hassan further revealed that of the bulk of complaints, police misconduct accounted to 25%, while others were from the members of the public, underscoring a persistent trust deficit between citizens and law enforcement.
Speaking on the recent case of the murder of X blogger Albert Ojwang at Central Police Station in Nairobi, he expressed his shock after visiting the situation, saying that the incident is unfortunate, and that the Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja owes Kenyans an apology.
“I was very disturbed when I visited the scene at Central Police Station. I’ve never seen such a scene. It was a mistake to have the Inspector General (IG) present there in that manner. It should not have happened the way it did. We owe the public an apology,” Hassan remarked.
His sentiments coming after activist Boniface Mwangi in a viral video on Monday morning, explained how the government is trying to cover up the involvement of Deputy Inspector General of police (DIG) Eliud Lagat involvement in the case, as he is the main complainant in the case with deceased.
Hassan further confirmed that investigations are ongoing following a viral video that showed police officers escorting and directing goons during the Tuesday last week protests, demanding justice for Ojwang’, which witnessed a chilling incident as an officer identified as Klinzy Barasa shoots unarmed mask vendor Boniface Kariuki at a close point blank range.
“I cannot comment much on that matter at this stage, but I can confirm that IPOA is investigating,” Hassan confirmed.
He furthr reinforced joint collaborative efforts from different stakeholders and members of the public to hold rogue officers accountable and ensure that victims receive their deserved justice.
