The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson, Dr. Duncan Oburu Ojwang, has undertaken a series of engagements in Nakuru County aimed at strengthening police accountability, promoting public trust and fostering constructive relationships between communities and policing institutions.
During his visit, Dr. Ojwang held a meeting with the Nakuru County Commissioner, Dr. Loyford E. Kibaara, MBS, and the County Security Team. He also engaged key stakeholders and staff from the IPOA Nakuru Regional Office as part of the Authority’s continued efforts to enhance collaboration and strengthen accountability in policing.
A key highlight of the engagements was Dr. Ojwang’s advocacy for TRUST 47, an initiative aimed at mainstreaming police accountability and institutionalising trust-based, accountable and constructive relationships between communities and policing institutions across Kenya’s 47 counties.
“TRUST 47 seeks to promote dialogue and contribute to professional policing, peaceful communities and respect for human rights,” said Dr. Oburu.
As Kenya approaches the next General Election, the IPOA Chairperson emphasised the importance of addressing the consequences of eroded public trust in the police, including concerns over goonism and other threats to public safety and democratic participation. He noted that building sustainable public trust requires deliberate efforts anchored on truth, competence and empathy.
Additionally, during a stakeholders’ engagement forum, Dr. Ojwang listened to presentations and interacted with representatives from various institutions and organisations, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Youth Bila Noma, Crime Si Poa and the Nakuru Muslim and Journalists Association, among other stakeholders.
The forum provided an opportunity for participants to share perspectives, discuss accountability challenges and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration in promoting human rights, professional policing and community safety.
Moreover, the Chairperson emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships between IPOA and other stakeholders in advancing police accountability and ensuring that policing remains responsive to the needs and concerns of the public.
On the other side of the engagement, Dr. Ojwang visited the IPOA Nakuru Regional Office, where he met staff and received presentations on departmental operations, ongoing activities and the office’s progress in executing its mandate.
He also toured the Authority’s Data Centre, expressing his appreciation for the facility and the work being undertaken by the regional team to support IPOA’s operations.
While addressing staff, Dr. Ojwang commended them for their commitment and dedication to the Authority’s mandate. He challenged them to pay greater attention to marginalised and vulnerable members of society, particularly individuals at risk of police brutality and other forms of abuse.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring that every complaint is handled professionally and that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard, protected and accorded the attention they deserve.
Finally, Dr. Ojwang reiterated the board’s commitment to strengthening IPOA’s regional operations to enhance service delivery and ensure that the Authority remains accessible and responsive to Kenyans across the country. He emphasised the need to equip regional offices with the necessary support, resources and capacity to effectively execute their mandate, improve efficiency in handling complaints and strengthen public engagement. He noted that empowered regional offices are critical in bringing IPOA’s services closer to the people, particularly vulnerable and marginalised communities, while ensuring that concerns relating to police misconduct are addressed promptly, professionally and effectively.
Through initiatives such as TRUST 47 and continued stakeholder engagement, IPOA seeks to strengthen public confidence in policing institutions and contribute to safer, more accountable and peaceful communities across Kenya.