IPOA calls for legal framework to extend its oversight to KWS, KFS, Prisons Service

The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) is pushing for amendments to its legal framework to extend its oversight to all uniformed security agencies, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and Kenya Prisons Service.

Speaking in Eldoret on Thursday, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan said the proposal is driven by public demand.

"We have made the necessary proposals and expect a robust engagement to review the Act," he stated after presiding over a meeting with partners in the North Rift region.

Issack emphasised that IPOA is prepared to handle complaints involving officers from KWS, KFS, prisons and even county government enforcement units.

The authority also plans to collaborate with civil society groups to strengthen its work.

"As IPOA, we need to continue serving Kenyans who have trusted us with this responsibility. The current Act mandates the authority to investigate complaints against police officers from the National Police Service, and so far, we have made good progress," Issack said.

Human rights activists in the North Rift are urging Parliament to speed up the proposed amendments to enhance accountability across all security agencies.

'Kings of impunity'

"IPOA is doing a good job, and we need its mandate expanded to include all security agencies and county enforcement officers, who are becoming kings of impunity. That is why we are urging Parliament to speed up the review of the IPOA Act," said Kimutai Kurui of the Centre Against Torture.

The proposed amendments are part of the Security Services Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which has been pending in Parliament since 2021.

If passed, the Bill sponsored by Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni will introduce changes to the Prisons Act, the National Police Service Act, the IPOA Act, and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.

"If this Bill becomes law, it will help curb unlawful acts and human rights violations by security agencies," Kurui added.

Last week, IPOA stated that it could not investigate alleged police abductions due to the National Police Service's denial of involvement.

Some of these cases have already been taken to court.

Other Topics To Read

• Prisons Service
• Headlines
• National
• IPOA
• KWS
• Police Brutality
• Issack Hassan
• Independent Policing and Oversight Authority
• IPOA Chairperson
• National Police Service Act
• IPOA Act
• IPOA calls for legal framework to extend its oversight to KWS
• KFS