Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to accelerate investigations into alleged abductions, saying the incidents are tarnishing the government’s image and undermining public confidence.
Speaking in Kutus, Kirinyaga County, Waiguru said the recent wave of alleged abductions by individuals suspected to be police officers was making it difficult for leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration to defend the government and its agenda.
She accused IPOA of failing in its mandate to promote accountability and professionalism within the National Police Service (NPS) by allegedly allowing rogue officers to continue carrying out unlawful acts.
“I have said this several times, and even the President has called for an end to these abductions. IPOA must do its work because they are making it very difficult for us to defend the government when abductions dominate the news every day,” she said.
The governor urged the oversight authority to thoroughly investigate the alleged cases of abduction and enforced disappearance and ensure that any police officers found culpable are prosecuted.
She further argued that IPOA should be held accountable for any failure to effectively exercise civilian oversight over the police service, maintaining that abductions and other forms of misconduct have no place in society as it violates fundamental human rights.
“As a mother, I can never support abductions. And there is no one in this government who can support abductions,” she said.
Waiguru warned that the incidents of abductions are providing political ammunition to the opposition.
“IPOA, do your job. Abductions are not part of this government, and I can never be a party to them. There are those who want to use this issue as a campaign tool. On our part, we are campaigning for this government peacefully, and we believe people will listen to us,” she added.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
