MPs raise concerns over police oversight challenges
Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerns over police accountability and oversight.
The lawmakers through the Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba-led Constitutional Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC), have highlighted several concerns particularly regarding the lack of cooperation from the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Japhet Koome and his deputies.
MPs on lack of cooperation
In a meeting with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the MPs indicated that the IG and his team have repeatedly failed to appear before both the Committee and IPOA, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of their oversight mandate.
"The IG should honour invitations to meetings. Otherwise, that is simply disregarding the rule of law," IPOA commissioner Fatuma Mohamed said.
IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori said the IG and his team have repeatedly failed to appear before the authority, affecting the oversight effectiveness.
Use of force
Roysambu MP Augustine Kamande also questioned the police guidelines on the use of force during demonstrations.
"What are the guidelines for using force in demonstrations? Are the Police supposed to use rubber or live bullets?" the lawmaker paused.
IPOA CEO Elema Halake while clarifying the use of force by the police said they have only recommended the use of rubber bullets, noting that that IPOA had successfully convicted 27 police officers for using unnecessary force against civilians.
"We have recommended the use of rubber bullets, not live bullets, during demonstrations," he said.
Data protection
During the meeting, Wamuchomba raised concerns about the integrity of data protection within the National Police Service.
She highlighted instances where online lenders were granted access to personal data and the payroll, leading to over 6,800 police officers being burdened with loans, some tragically resulting in suicides.
IPOA assured the Committee that they would investigate the breaches and report their findings to the Committee.
The MPs also raised concerns about the effectiveness of IPOA when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) forwards cases without sufficient evidence, and the internal police dynamics inculcating that some Police Commissioners intimidate their officers.
However, IPOA representatives clarified that while they are responsible for investigating misconduct, the welfare of police officers falls under the mandate of the National Police Service Commission.
The IPOA team that was led by Chairperson Anne Makori also used the opportunity to provide an overview of the organization's status, achievements and challenges.
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