Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has pledged support for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in efforts to reform and professionalize the National Police Service.
The CS was addressing IPOA Chairperson Mrs. Anne Makori and the Commissioners of IPOA who paid him a courtesy call at the ministry’s headquarters in Harambee House.
“IPOA has a key role in the work of the police. We need to build partnerships across the Security Sector and work with all stakeholders. We should build the Nation as one people, regardless of the institutions we come from. We pledge constructive cooperation and collaboration with IPOA.” the CS said.
He added: “I request IPOA to build systems for working with the Ministry for the benefit of the work of the police.”
The Ministry’s Principal Secretary, Engineer Karanja Kibicho, who also attended the discussions said: “The Ministry will work together with the Authority to make the public understand the role of IPOA. On any matters arising from Inspections and Investigations conducted by IPOA the Ministry is willing to discuss them with the police.”
On behalf of the Board, the Chairperson informed the meeting that the Board has prioritized Development and implementation of a new strategic plan and finalization and gazettment of IPOA regulations.
The Authority has received and processed 11,160 complaints since inception of which 793 have been referred IAU, 5,250 forwarded for investigation and 1,641 cases are currently under investigation.
IPOA has further completed 883 investigations, conducted 1,158 inspections of police premises and monitored 178 police operations.
Another 115 cases have been forwarded to ODPP and 59 cases are currently before courts of law.
“Our appointment by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta is an expression of trust and confidence in us to steer IPOA for the next six years. We have taken over from the inaugural Board that served from 22ndMay 2012 to 21stMay 2018,” said Mrs. Makori.
She went on: “The new Board prides itself a diversity of skills, talents and professional experience that will enable it to deliver on its mandate. We would like to thank the inaugural Board for laying the foundation for the Authority.”
The Chairperson lauded the inaugural Board noting it left the Authority with good and functional infrastructure and a strong management team.
“The new Board is ready and committed to effectively continue to implement the Authority’s mandate of safeguarding public interest in policing. We will carry out our work independently, impartially and in partnership with all our stakeholders and particularly the National Police Service,” she added.
Mrs. Makori said the Board will work in consultation, partnership and cooperation with National Police Service, National Police Service Commission, Internal Affairs Unit, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices, Civil Society, Faith-Based Organizations, the media and academia to realise its mandate.
“The Authority appreciates the momentum of ongoing police reforms as articulated in the framework that was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta recently,” she added.