The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has intensified efforts to strengthen relations between police officers and members of the public through community engagement forums aimed at promoting peace, accountability and professional policing.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the NG-CDF Hall in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, IPOA Chief Executive Officer, ELema Halake, said the authority had visited the region to bridge the gap between wananchi and security agencies and encourage cooperation in maintaining law and order.
Halake noted that IPOA represents both the police and members of the public in ensuring fairness, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
“The police cannot work effectively without the support of the public, and wananchi equally depend on the police for their security. We must therefore build trust and work together,” said Halake.
The IPOA CEO emphasized the importance of strengthening community policing initiatives such as Nyumba Kumi, saying they play a critical role in improving relations between communities and security agencies.
Halake also encouraged residents to report cases of police misconduct through IPOA’s toll-free hotline 1559, noting that the service operates throughout the day and night despite the regional office serving Kirinyaga being based in Nyeri.
He further reiterated the authority’s commitment to ensuring police officers execute their duties professionally while safeguarding the rights of citizens.
IPOA Commissioner John Muchiri Nyaga, who also addressed the meeting, urged Kenyans to conduct peaceful demonstrations and avoid acts that may lead to violence, destruction of property and loss of lives.
Nyaga observed that while the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to demonstrate, some protests often degenerate into chaos, forcing police officers to intervene and at times resulting in the use of excessive force.
“When demonstrations turn violent and lead to attacks, looting or destruction, police are compelled to restore order. It is during such moments that cases of excessive force may arise,” said Nyaga.
He added that IPOA investigates all cases involving deaths or serious injuries resulting from police action to ensure accountability and compliance with the law.
The Commissioner commended Kirinyaga County and the larger Mt Kenya region for recording relatively fewer cases of police-related violence and misconduct compared to other parts of the country.
Nyaga used the stage to call on politicians, the government, opposition leaders and all elected representatives to preach peace and unity among Kenyans.
He urged citizens to learn from Kenya’s past experiences of political violence as well as conflicts witnessed in neighbouring countries, warning that instability and incitement could easily plunge the country into unnecessary chaos.
“Kenyans must remember that we do not have another country. Leaders should focus on uniting the people instead of inciting divisions,” he said.
By David Wandeto
