The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has castigated the remarks made by Inspector General of Police to police officers not to hesitate to use their firearms when necessary.
Through a statement today, IPOA chairperson Anne Makori stated that the constitution mandates all national security organs to be subordinate to civilian authority.
“Our attention is drawn to the unfortunate and dangerous statement attributed to the Inspector General of Police Eng. Japhet Koome yesterday where he gave police officers a shoot to kill order against suspected criminals,” reads the statement in part.
She said President William Ruto committed to ensuring no extrajudicial deaths occur as a result of rogue police officers.
Makori also stressed that IPOA has worked to ensure for the last ten years that Kenyans are able to entrust their lives to police officers with confidence.
“For the 10 years the Authority has been in existence, rightfully, it has been busy, ultimately to ensure that Kenyans have confidence in the men and women in uniform – the police – in whom they entrust their lives and property on a daily basis. In this period, the impact of IPOA on policing has been significant,” said Makori.
“IPOA has made policy recommendations that have reduced crime by embedding the police to live within communities; helped realise a functional Internal Affairs Unit; informed acquisition of police vehicles for rapid response and officer safety in operations.”
IPOA added that a majority of officers within the NPS follow the law, noting that out of 20,000 complaints against the police only 500 files have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with recommendations to charge.
“In all, the Authority wishes to remind police officers where criminal culpability has been established, that is after investigations, it is individuals who have been called to account: not the Service, not a Unit and it is expected that there will be compliance with the Sixth Schedule, Part C on specific responsibilities of superior officers from issuing unlawful orders,” said Makori.
“Lastly, IPOA reiterates its respect for the Constitutional mandate and role of all agencies in the justice system and will not be drawn to comment on matters in Court as that would amount to sub-judice. IPOA remains impartial and committed to its mandate,” she added.
Ig Koome had yesterday directed police officers to turn their guns on suspected criminals and disregard the oversight body.
Koome promised he would shield officers who are targeted by IPOA, terming the oversight authority as “busybodies”.
