The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening accountability and addressing cases of enforced disappearances that may be linked to police.
IPOA, through its commissioner, Dr Annette Mbogoh said during the commemoration of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances assured the public that it was committed to ensuring that cases involving alleged enforced disappearances are investigated and addressed in accordance with the law.
Speaking in Mombasa during the event, Commissioner Dr. Mbogoh said that the Authority had proposed that a public inquiry into cases of enforced disappearance be instituted in order to solve cases.
Dr. Mbogoh disclosed that IPOA was currently handling 141 active investigations related to the matter, with two other cases being before Court. Two others are being handled by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
Enforced disappearance occurs when a person deprived of their liberty by, or with the authorization, support of State agents, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the person’s fate or whereabouts, placing the victim outside the protection of the law and causing uncertainty, anxiety and anguish for their families.
The event in Mombasa brought together State and non-State institutions, human rights defenders, victims, families of missing persons and other stakeholders.
Participants narrated their experiences on the experiences of victims, reflecting on accountability gaps and measures required to prevent further violations.
During the event, the ‘HAKI Kwa Wote’ campaign, which calls for the criminalization of enforced disappearance and the full operationalization of the Victim Protection Act, 2014 was also launched.
The campaign seeks to draw national attention to the increasing cases of of enforced disappearances and the urgent need for legal, policy and institutional reforms to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Participants also signed a commitment wall to demonstrate their collective resolve to promote accountability, justice and protection of victims and their families.
Dr. Mbogoh was accompanied by IPOA Senior Assistant Director–Investigations, Jibril Abdirahman, and Principal Corporate Communications Officer, Stella Cherono.
The engagements also provide a platform to strengthen collaboration among state and non-state institutions and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The discussions were centered around effective police accountability, protection of civic spaces and preparedness as Kenya approaches the electioneering period.
Later, Jibril Abdirahman and Stella Cherono facilitated a training session for journalists, equipping them with knowledge on responsible reporting of elections, policing and public order management.