The Independent Policing Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), in its quest to enhance professionalism and accountability in the National Police Service (NPS), has sensitized police commanders undergoing a leadership course at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA).
The 195 Sub-County Police Commanders drawn from various Counties, Formations and Departments of the NPS were undergoing the training at the college in Ngong last week when the Senior IPOA officials offered the lecture themed; “The Role and Mandate of IPOA in Enhancing Professionalism and Accountability in the NPS”.
The lecture was anchored on its technical functions and was facilitated by officials from the Authority.
IPOA was established through an Act of Parliament to provide for civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya and for a long time, the working relationship between the two agencies has been characterized by major challenges, including evidence suppression by senior police officers and the ‘blue code of silence.’
In the recent times however, both IPOA and the NPS are making deliberate efforts and remain committed to fostering a more effective and collaborative working relationship, with the Authority’s sensitization forums on its role being a crucial component of this course.
During the forum, NPLA Commandant Kainga Mathiu likened IPOA’s and NPS’s relationship to a marriage, saying that for it to work, both parties must be willing to groom and support each other, despite the difference in views and possession of diverse opinions.
“IPOA and Police are inseparable. We have to work with IPOA, we are joined at the helm. In short, we got married and this marriage must work.”, he said.
Commandant Kainga also stressed the need for oversight saying, “Civilian oversight is important to help the NPS do the right thing and to help us exercise accountability as we do our work. It is just a matter of accepting that IPOA is doing its job and if you do the right thing, then IPOA’s existence should not frighten or intimidate you.”
IPOA’s Senior Assistant Director of Complaints Management, Dr. Joyce Kaguta noted that the Authority is a partner in policing, and not an enemy. “We also receive complaints from police officers against their colleagues with a number being instances of sexual harassment. Police need to understand that IPOA is not for the civilian only, it’s also for the police. The Authority exists to ensure compliance”, she said.
“Everyone is oversighted and it’s important to appreciate the role that oversight plays to promote service delivery. We are serving one Mwananchi, one Government,” she added.
The session also engaged in a vibrant discourse, with the Commanders urging IPOA to encourage the public to act within the law, to improve their interactions with the police who are the law enforcers.
