IPOA commissioner reveals frustration from senior police officers
By Lutta Njomo, July 17, 2024
The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) Commissioner John Waiganjo has lamented over frustration from senior police officers in their bid to execute their duties.
Speaking on a local TV station on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, IPOA Commissioner Waiganjo decried the lack of cooperation in investigating police misconduct, deaths and serious injuries caused by police action.
Waiganjo noted that they have been put under a lot of criticism from the public for failing to expedite probes into the death of several protesters in the country during the recent demonstrations.
However, the IPOA commissioner indicated that the oversight authority is determined to execute its mandate but senior police officers are frustrating their efforts.
“We want the public to know we are working under very tough conditions. During the lifetime of IPOA we have not seen the level of un-cooperation we are seeing now from the senior police officers,” Waiganjo stated.
Waiganjo added that IPOA has struggled to get some files to help them fully investigate cases involving the police.
“We sometimes go back to them to get certain documentation that we cannot move without. But we have found a hostile environment where our officers are not getting any information and when we give out summonses, they are not responded to,” he added.
“We have a tough task. if we don’t get information, if we don’t get cooperation from the senior police officers, then it would appear we are doing nothing,” he added.
Hospitals refuse to give information
The IPOA Commissioner Waiganjo added during the TV interview that some hospitals refuse to release information on those injured to enable them file a case.
“It’s not just un-cooperation from the senior command of the National Police Service. It’s also un-cooperation from government institutions. We have been visiting health institutions like KNH, also trying to get medical of those involved in demonstrations and those we think their injuries are related to gunshot and institutions are not giving us the cooperation we require,” Waiganjo stated.
Nonetheless, the IPOA commissioner assured Kenyans that they will ensure all those implicated in brutality are brought to book.
The Commissioner added that they have forwarded files implicating several police officers for brutality during the recent protests.
For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p2z