Members of Parliament (MPs) have approved eight nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Board at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

The eight include former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Issack Hassan who was nominated by President William Ruto to serve as IPOA’s chairperson.

Issack’s approval follows the tabling of a report by the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on the vetting of the eight persons nominated for the positions under the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act of 2011.

Narok West MP and Committee Chairperson, Gabriel Tongoyo informed the eight nominees excelled in the vetting process with all proving to hold the requisite knowledge to perform their duties.

“After burning the midnight oil carefully and thoroughly accessing the qualifications and suitability of the nominees, the Committee was overwhelmingly impressed by the experience and intellect of all the eight candidates,” he said in a statement posted by Parliament of Kenya on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The MP further told the house that the eight nominees passed the integrity test, setting the stage for their appointment.

“Having looked at this, I have no doubt that the eight are best suited to serve at IPOA which is the civilian oversight body to ensure there is accountability in our Police service,” he added.

Deputy Minority Whip and South Mugirango MP, Sylvanus Osoro on his part applauded the regional and gender balance criteria used in the selection of the nominees, further calling on the authority to step up its mandate of ensuring there is oversight over the police.

“We need for IPOA to not only look at the mistakes of the Police, but also to check on the welfare of our uniformed men” he asserted.

Other nominees approved

The MPs also vetted and approved Ann Mwangi, Micah Nyakiego, Boniface Samati, Annette Mbogo, Hon. John Nyaga, Kenwilliams Nyakomitah and Jackline Mwenesi who were appointed by President William Ruto to serve as IPOA board members.

The House unanimously agreed to approve the nominees, paving the way for the eight persons to assume office.

While accepting their nomination, the MPs directed the nominees to take firm action against police misconduct in the country.

Their nomination comes at a time when police are on the spot over protests killings and abductions. Several reports released by human rights bodies claimed that over 50 people were killed during the protests.