The Authority has reaffirmed the importance of institutional collaboration and preventive accountability in strengthening police oversight and public confidence in policing during a regional familiarization visit to Nyeri County.
The visit, led by IPOA Chairperson Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu, provided an opportunity to engage regional security leadership, state and non-state actors, and members of the press on the Authority’s mandate, operational priorities and the shared responsibility of promoting accountable and professional policing.
A key highlight was a meeting with the Nyeri County Security Committee at the Office of the County Commissioner, Mr. Joshua Nkanatha, where discussions centered on the relationship between IPOA and security agencies, public trust, police welfare and the need to strengthen awareness of civilian oversight. Acknowledging the working relationship between the Authority and security agencies in the region, Commissioner in charge of the region, Hon. Muchiri Nyaga, observed that Nyeri remained relatively peaceful, attributing this in part to the cooperation and commitment of the security team. “IPOA is not here to derail police work. We are partners and we are serving one Mwananchi,” he observed, underscoring the importance of a shared understanding of the respective roles of institutions in delivering public service.
Self-less Service
In his address, Dr. Ojwang commended security officers for their service to the country, recognizing the difficult circumstances under which they discharge their duties. “Sometimes in police work you do not receive much gratitude. We want to thank you on behalf of IPOA and Kenyans. You are also human, and sometimes you can get discouraged. Continue serving the citizens of this country with diligence,” he said.
The Chairperson emphasized that public trust in institutions, particularly the police, remains fundamental to effective governance and the rule of law. He observed that trust cannot be legislated but must be earned through truth, empathy and excellence in service delivery. “We don’t have to be perfect, but we can be trusted,” he said, adding that the police remain among the most visible government institutions and that public confidence in policing significantly influences confidence in government as a whole.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for security leaders to raise issues affecting policing operations and the welfare of officers. Regional Police Commander Geoffrey Mayek and Central Region Administration Police Commander Somane Farah, among other officers, highlighted areas requiring continued dialogue and institutional support. The need to deepen awareness of IPOA at the local level, particularly ahead of the forthcoming elections, also emerged as an important priority.
The Chairperson welcomed the proposals, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to constructive engagement and cooperation with the National Police Service.
Stakeholders
The engagements continued at White Rhino Hotel, Nyeri, Dr. Ojwang accompanied by Commissioner Hon. Muchiri Nyaga and CEO Elema Halake held a stakeholder forum bringing together representatives from the Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), National Police Service (NPS), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), faith-based organizations, the Boda Boda community and the media, among other stakeholders.
The forum provided a platform for candid discussions on the effectiveness of police oversight, the administration of justice, public awareness and opportunities for strengthening collaboration among institutions. A representative of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) described the Authority’s role in supporting police accountability as essential, noting that oversight should also contribute to institutional learning and improvement. “IPOA is like a parent to us. Mnaturekebisha,” the representative remarked, emphasizing the value of constructive oversight in correcting institutional shortcomings.
Members of the media also engaged the Chairperson on aspects of the Authority’s operations, including pending investigations, case management and the progress of accountability processes. The discussions provided an opportunity to clarify the Authority’s work and address questions around its oversight responsibilities.
Rule of Law
In his remarks, Hon. Muchiri Nyaga called on stakeholders and members of the public to uphold the rule of law and exercise their constitutional rights responsibly, particularly during public demonstrations. He also urged political leaders to denounce violence and promote peaceful coexistence as the country approaches the next electoral period. “Rights come with responsibilities. Even as we exercise our rights, we must respect the law. We encourage our political leaders to denounce violence. Let us preach peace,” he said.
In a significant announcement, Dr. Ojwang highlighted the Authority’s planned Trust47 Programme, an initiative designed to bring together stakeholders across all 47 counties to share experiences, identify challenges and strengthen collective approaches to police accountability.
The initiative reflects IPOA’s commitment to taking oversight beyond investigations and complaint handling towards a more proactive approach that addresses accountability concerns before they escalate.
Public Trust, Collaboration
The Chairperson reiterated that building public trust requires sustained collaboration between oversight institutions, the police, other state agencies and the communities they serve.
The Nyeri engagements form part of the Authority’s broader regional familiarization programme, through which the Chairperson is interacting with regional offices and stakeholders to better understand operational realities, strengthen institutional relationships and enhance the delivery of IPOA’s mandate.
Through these engagements, IPOA continues to advance a model of civilian oversight anchored in accountability, dialogue and partnership, recognizing that public trust is built not by institutions working in isolation, but through their collective commitment to serving the people of Kenya.