The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has found itself on the defensive as it appeared before MPs over its role in overseeing the National Police Service.
Members of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) expressed concerns about the state of policing in Kenya, with Ipoa's efficacy coming under intense scrutiny.
The committee chaired by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba expressed alarm over several issues among them challenges in harmonising the Administration Police with the Kenya Police Service and increasing reports of public attacks on police officers.
However, the most pressing concerns were what was termed as the extreme use of force during peaceful protests, the raiding of homes by hooded officers and the abduction of citizens.
"We have 61 deaths recorded from the Gen Z protests," Wamuchomba highlighted during the session.
"You haven't been able to arrest or convict those responsible for the abductions, deaths, and violations of human rights. What has Ipoa done?"
In response, Ipoa’s explanation that they have only nine regional offices and numerous cases to investigate was met with scepticism
“Isn't your mandate to oversight police on behalf of the public? Why doesn’t Ipoa seem to be hands-on with the recent atrocities happening in this country?” Roysambu MP Augustine Mwafrika posed.
The Committee also took issue with IPOA’s communication strategy, particularly during the Gen Z protests and the abduction of various individuals.
Members were especially troubled by reports of hooded police officers raiding homes, a practice deemed illegal.
Ipoa defended itself, stating that such cases often fall under the ‘multi-agency approach,’ which obscures the identities of the officers involved, making it difficult to take action.
Ipoa chief executive officer Elema Halake expressed hope that the police service would abide by a High Court ruling that seeks to end such practices.
Ipoa advocated for the establishment of an independent forensics lab to prevent the tampering of evidence or biased results.
Ipoa mentioned that the recommendation had received support from the Maraga Taskforce and emphasised that the lab would operate independently from the authority to maintain credibility.
The session also touched on the poor state of housing for police officers.
MPs described their living conditions as "pathetic" and in urgent need of improvement.
