Independent Policing Oversight Authority is monitoring police operations across the country on polls day and in the aftermath of the August 9, elections.
August, 09, 2022
We have received preliminary reports from the 250 monitors we deployed at polling stations countrywide. As we move to the next phase – post election monitoring exercise – I urge all police officers to strive for the highest possible standards of professionalism and discipline. I remind police officers that they should always remain apolitical.
Mrs. Anne Makori. Chairperson, Independent Policing Oversight Authority
Two hundred and fifty (250) IPOA officials have taken positions at polling stations across the country as observers, but with an inclination for the action of police officers that may affect members of the public.
IPOA will be looking out for compliance with Article 244 of the Constitution which demands that police are professional, comply with human rights and fundamental freedoms and foster relations with the broader society.
Besides the National Police Service, the Authority’s radar would also be directed to the more than 30,000 special officers who have been deployed from other disciplined services boost law enforcements.
They include the National Youth Service, the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Prisons Service.
Chairperson Anne Makori urged the public to report any cases of misconduct or commendations of the Police by dialling toll free line 1559 and the general lines 0792532627, 0773999000 and 0772333000
“IPOA will also monitor how the Police will manage crowds, maintain security and order. Officers found to have conducted themselves in an unprofessional manner will be held to account for their actions, “she said.
IPOA is also informed by Article 239 (3) of the Constitution, which states: In performing their functions and exercising their powers, the national security organs and every member of the national security organs shall not act in a partisan manner, further any interest of a political party or cause prejudice a political interest or political cause that is legitimate under this
constitution.
Section 6 (c) and (f) mandates the Authority to monitor and investigate policing operations affecting members of the public while cooperating with other institutions on issues of Police oversight, including other State organs.
IPOA is partnering with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya) and other organisations.
Mrs. Makori visited five Constituencies including Kisumu Central, North Mugirango, Nyando, Nyakach and Kasipul Kabondo, during which she covered eleven polling stations.
She toured polling stations at Pandpieri primary school, Nyalenda & Kodele markets, Kuth Awendo primary school, Nyakongo primary school, Rae primary school, K’obuor primary school, Holo primary school, Matongo primary school, Ong’era primary school and North Mugirango constituency tallying centre at Kebabe secondary school.
