Written By Lisa Murimi
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has called on police commanders to disclose the identities of masked police officers operating in Nairobi.
This demand arises amidst growing concerns about the legality and accountability of police actions during recent demonstrations.
IPOA Commissioner John Waiganjo expressed alarm over the conduct of police officers failing to display their identification tags and service numbers.
“The police are clearly breaking the law because it is clear that their officers, even those in uniform, are not displaying their known tags and their service numbers,” Waiganjo stated.
“Those in civilian clothing are putting on hoodies and you cannot tell who they are. As an authority, we suspect there is a unit being sent out there apart from the ordinary deployment to commit atrocities.”
Waiganjo also highlighted the critical issue of unidentified platoons operating without proper oversight. “If we do not know where the platoons are coming from and we do not know their names, numbers, and arms register, then it is sabotage,” he said.
He further noted that officers were reportedly using live bullets and unidentified substances instead of water cannons. IPOA has requested information for an investigation but has faced a lack of cooperation from police commanders.
“That is why we are calling out Adamson Bungei and the acting Inspector General of Police to give information, or we are going to petition the court to issue a warrant for their arrest because they carry the biggest responsibility,” Waiganjo warned.
The situation in Nairobi has become increasingly dire, with reports indicating over 22 fatalities related to the unrest.
Waiganjo emphasized the need for transparency regarding police deployment schedules and arms registers, stating, “We need to have deployment schedules and arms registers, and we need to know where those arms are and in whose hands.”
IPOA’s call for transparency and accountability comes at a crucial time as public trust in the police force continues to erode.
Police officers have been accused of inciting violence during anti-government demonstrations that have otherwise remained relatively peaceful.
