IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan has sounded a firm call for accountability within the National Police Service, underscoring the Authority’s resolve to uphold justice for victims of police excesses.
Speaking during the launch of Brutal Policing, a 2024 report by Missing Voices Coalition, Mr Hassan stated that IPOA would continue to push for a disciplined and professional Service, regardless of the many challenges it faces. The report documents police-related killings and enforced disappearances recorded in 2024, alongside data analyses and victim narratives, as well as laying out actionable recommendations for the government, civil society, and communities.
Missing Voices is a coalition of human rights organizations whose mission is to end enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Kenya, and has for a long time worked closely with the Authority as a key stakeholder. It comprises organizations like Amnesty International, Independent Medico Legal Unit, International Justice Mission, Defenders Coalition and many others.
The report by the coalition revealed that the number of police-associated enforced disappearances grew nearly five times in last year, marking the highest rate of extrajudicial killings in six years. According to the report, most cases of extrajudicial killings were recorded during the Gen Z anti-finance bill protests between June and August 2024, with June recording the highest number of cases at 38, July recorded 11 cases while August had 9, bringing police killings cases to 58 during the protest period.
Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said that IPOA registered 60 deaths related to the protests, out of which, 22 investigations have been closed internally, 36 are ongoing, and two cases are before the courts. He also noted that 4 files were with the ODPP for independent review. “IPOA had recommended murder and manslaughter charges on the two cases, but the DPP has said that we shall go for public inquest. IPOA has no Authority over prosecution or the decision to charge. We can only recommend charges after collecting information and evidence. It is up to the DPP to accept our recommendation or change”, he said.
He noted that there is need to hold the government and the police accountable and demand for justice for the victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Ahmed further assured the public that IPOA stands ready to work with stakeholders to professionalize NPS, urging them to volunteer information to advance the Authority’s investigations. “It is imperative that victims and witnesses come forward. IPOA stands ready to act,” Hassan urged, noting that the Authority will intensify efforts to ensure accountability.