The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)’s Chairperson, Ahmed Issack Hassan, has formally resigned from his position at the authority.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 17, the Authority confirmed that Hassan had stepped down, triggering a transition at the top of the civilian police watchdog.
Following his exit, IPOA Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku Mwangi has taken over the role in an acting capacity as the process of appointing a new chairperson begins, in line with the law.
“The Authority reaffirms its commitment to service delivery in accordance with its statutory mandate, notwithstanding these developments,” the statement read in part.IPOA, which is mandated to provide civilian oversight over the National Police Service (NPS), maintained that its operations will continue uninterrupted despite the leadership change.
Hassan’s resignation comes at a critical time when scrutiny on policing and accountability remains high, placing added focus on how the Authority will navigate the transition and sustain public confidence.
His resignation paves the way for him to take up duties at the Court of Appeal. He and 14 others were sworn in as Court of Appeal judges three weeks ago. On Saturday, the judiciary posted him to Nakuru, marking his first assignment as a judge.
His brief stint at IPOA concluded as he pursued a long-standing ambition to join the judiciary. “As an advocate, I think the highest goal you want to be is join the bench and become a judge,” he told the Judicial Service Commission during last month’s interview.
Issack, also a former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, was nominated by President William Ruto in November 2024, having been among eight candidates shortlisted for the role. The recruitment process for the role was in accordance with Sections 8, 9, and 10 of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, 2011.
“The nominee is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 30 years of experience as a legal practitioner and consultant in various countries, including Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Namibia, and Afghanistan.
“Mr. Hassan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Diploma in Contemporary Public Administration Management from Galilee International Management Institute, Israel,” read a statement in part by Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service at the time.
Nominated to IPOA as members of the Authority were Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, Micah Onyiego Nyakego, Boniface Kipkemoi Samati, Annette Mbogoh, John Muchiri Nyaga, Kenwilliams Nyakomitah, and Jackline Lukalo Mwenesi.
IPOA Chairperson of the Selection Panel, Arthur Osiya, revealed on Tuesday, October 8, that the selection panel initiated the process by inviting applications for the chairperson and member positions on September 13, 2024, through print media and the PSC website.
At the close of applications on September 27, 2024, the panel received a total of 22 applications for the chairperson role and 304 for the member positions.
“Following a review of the applications, the selection panel shortlisted eight candidates for the chairperson role and 37 for the member positions,” Osiya said.
