Govt Probes 3 Police Misconduct Cases During Elections

The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now investigating cases of misconduct amongst police officers deployed across the country for security during the August 9 general elections.

In a statement by the chairperson, Anne Makori on Saturday, August 13, IPOA revealed that despite the generally commendable conduct of the officers during the period, it took note of three isolated cases that it has since commenced investigations on.

Among the cases include an incident whereby two men were shot and a woman assaulted allegedly by the police in Eldas in Wajir County. All sustained non-fatal injuries.

IPOA chairperson, Anne Makori. /FILE

It also flagged an incident whereby an officer attached to the Matisi Police Station in Bungoma County attempted to rape a citizen on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

The agency is also investigating a third incident where a police officer in Uasin Gishu County allegedly shot and injured a political aspirant’s bodyguard on the eve of voting day, Monday, August 8, 2022.

“Though largely the police have so far conducted themselves within the law, the Authority has noted isolated incidents requiring its investigative attention,” stated Makori.

“IPOA is also observing how the police continue to manage crowds and maintain security and order during this electioneering period. IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair.”

The agency had dispatched 250 monitors across the country to scrutinize police conduct during Tuesday’s general election.

It partnered with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) and other organizations for the exercise.

“All IPOA monitors will be easily identified by IPOA staff badges, IEBC observer badges and their branded attire,” the organization said in a statement on Saturday, August 6.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report to IPOA any case of misconduct or commendations of the police during the election period through toll-free number 1559.”

The National Police Service (NPS) had initially clarified a video which showed officers whipping youth in an election-related incident, noting that upon review, it found that it was from a past incident.

A collage image of police officers confronting two men. /FILE