The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) resolved 12,732 complaints against police officers over the last six years.
According to IPOA’s end-of-term report, the Authority received and processed 20,112 complaints from the public during this period.
Of these, 12,732 complaints were successfully resolved, while the remaining are at various stages of investigation.
Further, the report indicates that the Agency conducted 4,865 investigations, which led to the recommendation of 773 files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further action.
“Notably, 30 officers were convicted for various offenses,” the report said.
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During the same period, the courts recommended the acquittal of officers in 64 cases, while 52 cases were withdrawn and 48 cases were closed at the court level.
Similarly, the report highlighted IPOA’s efforts to enhance human rights compliance within the National Police Service (NPS).
The Authority monitored 514 policing activities and conducted 3,854 inspections in NPS facilities.
“These efforts contributed to improved conditions in detention facilities and police premises,” the report noted.
IPOA also developed policy briefs, engaged stakeholders, and tracked station-level recommendations to promote transparency and accountability in policing.
However, the Authority faced several challenges, including non-cooperation from the National Police Service, excessive use of force by hooded and unidentifiable officers during the GenZ protests, and officers refusing to honor summons.
Additionally, the report indicated that IPOA’s reliance on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) forensic laboratory and parallel investigations by IPOA, the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), and the DCI were also cited as challenges.
During the presentation of the report, IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori stated that the report reflects IPOA’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice within the NPS, which is in line with Article 244 of the Constitution.
“The report was developed using data from the Authority’s strategic plan, performance reports, technical reports, as well as interviews and focus group discussions,” Makori said.
The outgoing IPOA board, which began its term in September 2018, is chaired by Anne Makori, with Jonathan Lodompui serving as her deputy.
Other commissioners include Dr. Owen Ogony, MBS, Dr. Praxedes Tororey, MBS, Doreen Muthaura, MBS, Fatuma Mohamed, MBS, and Hon. JM Waiganjo.
The Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is also an ex-officio member of the board.
