The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Douglas Kanja and the new board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority(IPOA) on Thursday, engaged in in-depth deliberations relating to policing and oversight, with an aim of improving law enforcement while upholding dignity and human rights.
The debut meeting focused on several issues faced by the two institutions, with special focus on police cooperation with the authority, handling of exhibits, police misconduct, excessive use of force, enforced disappearances and the uptake of IPOA’s recommendations on police reforms, all aimed at promoting professional and accountable policing.
The Inspector General was accompanied by his deputies; Eliud Lagat (DIG-Kenya Police Service), Gilbert Masengeli (DIG- Administration Police Service), the Director of Criminal Investigations Mr. Mohamed I. Amin and other NPS Directors during the meeting held at the NPS Headquarters, Jogoo House, Nairobi.
During the visit, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, CBS., highlighted the significance of strong police cooperation with the Authority during investigations, monitoring and inspections of police premises, saying that the two institutions, were in place to serve the interests of the Kenyan public through their respective mandates.
While calling for the increased uptake of IPOA’s recommendations, Mr. Hassan emphasized the Authority’s goal of achieving a compliance rate of at least 72%, up from the current 59%. The recommendations were made by the Authority based on its inspections, research, monitoring and investigations over time.
The Chairperson reiterated the need for the NPS to operate within the law while dispatching its duties, saying that relevant incidents should be reported to IPOA, as provided for in the NPS and IPOA Acts. The law requires NPS to immediately notify the Authority before commencing investigations on matters falling within the mandate of IPOA, such as death in police custody and deaths and injuries resulting from the use of firearm.
IPOA, during the meeting expressed discontent with the NPS on matters relating to surrender of requested documents, honouring summonses, handling of exhibits and timeliness in response to incidents.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Ms. Ann Wanjiku together with the commissioners also called for increased collaboration, forensic support, provision of deployment plans and operational orders, and support to access operational areas. They also focused on other areas meant to help improve policing, including implementation of the Maraga Taskforce recommendations.
IG Douglas Kanja pledged to fully support IPOA in exercising its mandate, despite the challenges faced by the NPS. He said NPS will support IPOA during investigations, inspections and monitoring of police activities in order to improve policing and enhance public trust in the service.
“We will continue to support you to help promote professionalism within the Service. Policing is not an easy job and we are also facing budgetary constraints. The uptake of the recommendations require expenditure. It is not going to be a walk in the park but we will do it,” he said, as he pledged to transform police stations into centres of excellence.
In his remarks, DIG Gilbert Masengeli emphasized the importance of discipline and adherence to the rule of law by both police officers and the general public, urging IPOA to act as the intermediary. On his part, DIG Eliud Lagat asked that the Authority and the police establish a meeting point, even as both entities dispense their mandates.