Independent Policing Oversight Board.

Ms. Anne Wanjiku Mwangi is a seasoned public administrator with over 11 years of experience in Kenya’s Public Sector, distinguished by her expertise in leadership and administration. She holds a Master of Arts in Education Research from Moi University, a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) Degree from Moi University. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Project Planning and Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Ms. Wanjiku served as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Office of the Deputy President, where she liaised with legislative bodies, represented the Cabinet Secretary in meetings, and coordinated inter-ministerial activities. Previously, she was the Board Chairperson of the Trans Nzoia Women Leaders Organization and a nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) in Trans Nzoia County from 2017 to 2022. As an advocate for gender equality, she championed gender-focused legislation and actively promoted girls’ and women’s rights.

Earlier roles include Administrative Officer at Moi University (Trans Nzoia and Kericho campuses), Gender Officer at Mercy Corps Kenya, and Treasurer of the National Youth Bunge Association. She also founded the Young Women Forum Organization in 2012.

Mr. Boniface Kipkemoi Samati is a seasoned expert in Policing and Security Management, boasting 20 years of experience as a police officer and security manager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology from Mt. Kenya University.

Mr. Samati began his career with the Kenya Police Service and rose through the ranks to become a Chief Inspector of Police and served in various roles including as DCIO Nyali, overseeing investigations and intelligence operations. Later, as Chief Security Officer at Kenya Medical Training College, he managed security across the college’s 85 campuses. Mr. Samati also has extensive expertise in combating transnational crimes like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism.

Dr. Micah Onyiego is a highly versatile and multi-skilled professional who has risen through the professional and public management cadre over the last 31 years. He has demonstrated unwavering dedication to exemplary Service to the Nation through various responsibilities and in different capacities.

Dr. Onyiego holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Strategic Management, a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. Being an accomplished scholar, Dr Onyiengo has published in peer reviewed journals, contributing significantly to the fields of Strategic Management and Human Resource Development.

Further, He has played crucial roles in formulation and implementation of polices aligned to national goals, policies and developmental objectives of the Government. Additionally, he served as a member of a Government multi-agency team that crafted a policy paper on alcohol regulations, which was instrumental in reducing the deaths from alcoholism. His leadership is characterized by a visionary approach and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

Dr Onyiego’s combination of experience and good knowledge, thus, equips him to contribute significantly to IPOA’s mandate objectives of promoting accountability and transparency in the National Police Service, and to enhance collaboration between the Service and IPOA to uphold the rule of law and maintain public confidence and trust

Hon. John Muchiri Nyaga is a former Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency in Embu County, elected to the 11th Parliament in March 2012. During his tenure, he contributed to the enactment and debate of new legislation while scrutinizing government departments and agencies. He served as a member of the Public Investments Committee and the Departmental Committee on Health in the National Assembly. He was also a member of the Budget and Appropriation Committee from 2017 to 2020.

Before joining Parliament, Hon. Nyaga was a Board Member of the Kenya Planters and Cooperative Union and Chairman of Gakundu Farmers’ Cooperative Society, where he initiated and led significant growth initiatives. He also chaired the SAG-Freights Board, providing strategic leadership to its members. His earlier career included working as a Marketing Executive at Alico Insurance. From March 1982 to December 1991, Hon. Nyaga served as an Administration Police officer. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Community Development from Mount Kenya University and a Diploma in Business Management from the East African University, demonstrating a strong foundation in leadership and governance.

Jackline Lukalo Mwenesi is the former Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. An experienced educator, she served as a nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) from 2017 to 2022. During her tenure, she chaired the Public Accounts Committee and contributed as a member of several other committees.

Ms. Mwenesi holds a Bachelor of Education degree in English and Literature from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a Diploma in Education from Kagumo Teachers Training College. She began her career as a teacher under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), focusing on children’s care, safety, and welfare. Later, she served as an Executive Secretary for sports at the Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Hamisi), advocating for sports development and opportunities. She also served as a union official for KUPPET in Vihiga, taught English Literature at Tigoi Girls, Dangana Secondary among others. She was also an Examiner for English Paper III with KNEC.

Born and raised in Vihiga County, Ms. Mwenesi began her education at Kaimosi Junior Primary School, proceeded to Butere Girls’ High School, and later advanced to college. Her career reflects a strong commitment to education, leadership, and community service.

Mr. Kenwilliams Nyakomitah is a seasoned security expert with over 15 years of experience in strategic leadership, coaching, and integrating advanced AI-driven security solutions. He has a proven track record in managing complex investigations, sensitive information, and sophisticated security systems. Adept at developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies, he leverages modern technology to enhance operational efficiency and crisis management.

Mr. Nyakomitah served as Group Head of Security at Britam, aligning security services with organizational goals and regulatory compliance. Prior to Britam, he was Head of Security Operations at Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (2016-2023) and Head of Security at Daystar University (2014-2016). He also served as a Provost Officer with the Kenya Defense Forces Military Police and as a Provost Investigator in the UN Mission in Sudan-Darfur.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Security Management and a BA in Criminology and Security Studies from Egerton University. Currently pursuing a PhD in Disaster Management at Daystar University, he has completed advanced leadership training and holds diplomas in international relations, education, and specialized security certifications.

Dr. Annette Mbogoh is a passionate advocate for social and gender justice, with over 18 years of experience empowering vulnerable groups, including women, children, and youth, through legal advocacy, research, and human rights initiatives. She holds a PhD in Law, a Master’s in Women’s Law from the University of Zimbabwe, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and an LL.B. from the University of Nairobi.

An advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Dr. Mbogoh has served as Executive Director of Kituo cha Sheria, designing and managing programs to safeguard the rights of vulnerable communities. She has also worked with Christian Legal Education, Aid and Research (CLEAR)–Kenya as a resident advocate. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Mbogoh was named a Champion for Change in 2023 by Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies and The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law. She has also received recognition from the Nairobi Legal Awards. She has been on sabbatical as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi where she taught access to justice, human rights, family law related courses. She has held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the National Legal Aid Services Board and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Board.

Mr Elema Halake, SS is The Director, IPOA and Chief Executive Officer. He is Secretary to the Board and holds a Masters of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies, a Diploma in Wildlife Management, an Advanced Diploma in Social Work and a postgraduate Diploma Certificate in criminal justice by the Virginia University, USA. His Public Service career spans over 28 years including at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), where he was a Senior Assistant Director and also sat on the Board of the Kenya School of Leadership and Adventure at Mt. Kenya. At KWS, he was part of the leadership which fronted the 1990’s anti-poaching strategy that stabilized wildlife conservation, enhanced security and management. Earlier, as IPOA’s Director of Investigations, Mr Halake initiated a series of administrative and operational reforms, expanded the investigation capacity, enhanced performance and contributed towards decentralised regional operations. At Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), he spearheaded legal and regulatory reforms including the enactment of the Anti-Counterfeit Act 2018, developed and deployed the AIMS project (Anti-Counterfeit Information Management system) and launched a National baseline survey on the magnitude of counterfeiting and illicit trade in Kenya. Mr. Halake continues to be an invaluable focal point for the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) South-Africa, Interpol, Lusaka Agreement Taskforce, Cross border security collaboration framework with sister agencies, National Multi-agency against illicit trade and host of other sister local law enforcement agencies. In various capacities he has represented Kenya as part of delegations to various National, Regional and International conferences and fora including CITES, Trade negotiations Agreements (FTA’s), Lusaka Agreement, East Africa’s Cross Border Environmental forums besides the National Collaborations and Cooperation with key State and non-state actors and development partners. These efforts have seen him gain global exposure having travelled for work, training and conferences in Africa, Europe, the USA, Brazil, parts of Asia and Israel among others. His integrity and high-performance track record in Public Service saw him recognized and decorated with the Silver Star (SS) of Kenya by his Excellency, the President of the Republic of Kenya in 2006, with citation for courage and commitment to duty.