IPOA mounted a nationwide operation today as Kenyans headed to the by-elections in multiple electoral units across the country, deploying its full Board to the front line in a decisive show of commitment to accountability and public confidence. At the helm was Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, who led the Authority’s oversight mission in Mbeere North alongside Commissioner Hon. John Muchiri, underscoring the seriousness with which IPOA approached the exercise. Hon. Muchiri also addressed the media on the ground.
From Eldoret to Magarini, Homabay to Baringo, IPOA Commissioners fanned out across the country. Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku took charge in the North Rift, while Commissioners Kenwilliams Nyakomitta, Dr Micah Onyiego, Jackline Mwenesi, Dr Annette Mbogoh and Boniface Samati oversaw operations in their respective regions. Their collective assignment was anchored in Section 6(c) of the IPOA Act CAP 86 of the Laws of Kenya, was to ensure the National Police Service upheld the rule of law, exercised professionalism, and respected the rights of all citizens throughout the electoral process.
The most dramatic scenes of the day unfolded in Kasipul Kabondo, where Commissioner Nyakomitta, accompanied by ADRO Paul Murkomen and SIO Patrick Saikwa, found themselves in the midst of mounting political tension. Crowds surged, rival groups clashed, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was attacked by individuals alleged to be aligned with an opposing candidate. Police swiftly intervened, recovering a stolen firearm belonging to the MP’s bodyguard and seizing 22 crude weapons. Despite the turmoil, polling continued under a reinforced security.
In stark contrast, a largely calm atmosphere greeted Commissioner Dr Micah Onyiego across Nyamira’s polling centres in Kasipul, Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Nyamaiya. Officers conducted themselves professionally and no misconduct was recorded. The only disturbance involved several individuals arrested with crude weapons in Ikonge, who were promptly taken into custody.
Meanwhile in Mbeere North, Commissioner Muchiri addressed journalists at the Siakago Social Hall, affirming IPOA’s focus on both police conduct and officer welfare. He appealed for peace, encouraged the public to support a fair process and urged officers to maintain the highest standards as he continued his oversight in Kanyuambora and St Peter’s (Ishiara), where voting proceeded smoothly.
Down at the Coast, Commissioner Dr Annette Mbogoh, working with Mombasa ADRO Hussein Aden, led oversight of the Magarini Constituency by-election across 193 polling centres. Police officers drawn from various services had been deployed with partial welfare support, including modest allowances and refreshments. Apart from an incident at Bandicho/Marereni where a local MCA was suspected of ferrying hired individuals to a polling station and was swiftly intercepted by the OCS, the process remained calm.
In Kakamega and Bungoma, Commissioner Hon. Jackline Mwenesi supervised IPOA teams monitoring the Malava parliamentary and Chwele–Kabuchai ward by-elections. Her engagements with officers focused on safeguarding rights, maintaining lawful policing and reinforcing public confidence amid heightened political interest.
Back in Nairobi, IMPS Deputy Director Munene Mugambi conducted an impromptu check at Korogocho Police Station before inspecting four polling stations, where he observed professional conduct and orderly operations.
IPOA’s regional offices were equally active. In Narok, ADRO Josephat Kaimenyi, accompanied by Senior Inspections Officer Jeremia Lesorogol and Principal Driver Janet Maithya, monitored police behaviour at Masikonde Primary School and nearby centres. In Bungoma, ADRO Esther Kenyanya reviewed security and police conduct at the Kabuchai Ward tallying centre with officers Amos Muthee and Collins Okello while Garissa ADRO Timothy Nzomo reported peaceful electoral activities in Tana River County, as well as in Banisa and Fafi in Mandera and Garissa counties respectively.