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IPOA Accuses Police of Sabotaging Investigations into Rogue Officers as Rift Grows

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NAIROBI, Kenya -The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has raised concerns over what it describes as a lack of full cooperation from the National Police Service (NPS) in investigating rogue officers.

IPoA CEO Elema Halake said the authority’s efforts to probe misconduct within the force have been hampered by the NPS’s reluctance to collaborate, complicating the conclusion of investigations.

Halake’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between IPOA and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).

Responding to the accusations, NPSC CEO Peter Leley dismissed the claims as a “blame game,” urging IPOA to focus on its core mandate instead of attributing challenges to a lack of support.

“We are sister commissions. There are instances when IPOA requests us to expedite certain activities, and we do. We have a cordial relationship and share data from time to time,” Leley said, adding that IPOA should not depend solely on the NPSC for its investigations.

IPOA, an independent body mandated to hold the police accountable, has been at the forefront of probing incidents related to police brutality during recent nationwide protests.

Halake revealed that out of four cases forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) concerning deaths during the June-August protests, only one file has been approved, while three were returned for further review.

“We are currently in the process of submitting seven more files to the ODPP, including the three that were returned,” Halake said.

He added that investigations into the 56 deaths recorded during the protests have been slowed by the sheer scale of the unrest and the authority’s limited resources.

The public spat between the two commissions underscores a deeper challenge in reforming Kenya’s police force, where investigations into misconduct often stall amid bureaucratic hurdles.

Leley suggested that rather than engaging in finger-pointing, the commissions should foster cooperation to move forward.

“This is why we are here today—to talk to one another and create synergy to help us overcome challenges,” Leley said during a meeting with IPOA representatives.

Halake, however, doubled down on the need for the police to fully engage in the oversight process, especially in high-profile cases such as the shooting of Mediamax journalist Catherine Wanjeri.

Wanjeri was shot three times while covering protests against the Finance Bill in Nakuru, sustaining injuries that required surgery to remove rubber bullets.

While Wanjeri has expressed concerns over her safety, citing threats, Halake assured that IPOA is closely monitoring the situation through its Nakuru regional office.

He urged her to report any security threats so that necessary protective measures can be taken, including potential intervention by the Witness Protection Agency (WPA).

“Our mandate is to ensure justice, and for that, we rely heavily on public support and witness testimony. We encourage the public to step forward and assist us in gathering the evidence needed to hold the police accountable,” Halake emphasized.

Anthony Kinyua
Anthony Kinyua
Anthony Kinyua brings a unique blend of analytical and creative skills to his role as a storyteller. He is known for his attention to detail, mastery of storytelling techniques, and dedication to high-quality content.

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