Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Duncan Ojwang' Oburu has called on Kenyans to cooperate with police officers during arrests, even if they believe the arrest is unlawful. Instead of resisting, citizens should report any mistreatment to IPOA. Oburu emphasized that victims should inform IPOA if they have been handled unconstitutionally during an arrest. This approach aims to promote a safer and more accountable policing environment.
Oburu highlighted that individuals who are detained against their rights and not presented in court within 24 hours should report the incident to IPOA immediately. He made these remarks during an interview with Radio Generation. The IPOA chairperson stressed the importance of citizens understanding their rights and the role of IPOA in ensuring police accountability. By doing so, Kenyans can help prevent police mistreatment and promote a culture of trust between the public and the police.
The IPOA chairperson questioned the involvement of police in personal disputes, citing an example of a landlord calling the police over a rent issue. Oburu asked what such disputes had to do with the police, implying that officers should focus on more pressing matters. He also suggested that police stations should display IPOA contacts to facilitate efficient reporting of police mistreatment. This move aims to bridge the gap between the public and IPOA.
Oburu emphasized that the law provides citizens with a way to hold the police accountable for their actions. He encouraged Kenyans to report any instances of police mistreatment, stating that this helps to promote a culture of accountability within the police service. By doing so, citizens can help prevent bad policing and promote a positive image of the police. IPOA has pledged to improve public understanding and foster better relationships between the police and citizens.
The IPOA chairperson noted that when the public lacks trust in the police, it can damage IPOA's image and undermine its oversight role. He stressed that IPOA takes instances of bad policing seriously, as a single incident can undermine the efforts of good police officers. To address this, IPOA has called on the National Police Service (NPS) to adopt evidence-based strategies and best practices in policing.
IPOA's efforts to promote police accountability and improve relationships between the police and citizens are ongoing. The Authority aims to work closely with the NPS to ensure that policing in Kenya is guided by fit-for-purpose strategies and insights grounded in evidence and good practice. By doing so, IPOA hopes to promote a safer and more accountable policing environment for all Kenyans.
In conclusion, Oburu's call to Kenyans not to resist unlawful arrests but to report police mistreatment to IPOA instead is a significant step towards promoting police accountability. By working together, citizens and IPOA can help prevent police mistreatment and promote a culture of trust between the public and the police. Key to this effort is the display of IPOA contacts in police stations and the public's understanding of their rights and the role of IPOA.
Key points
- IPOA chair Duncan Ojwang' Oburu urges Kenyans not to resist unlawful arrests but report police mistreatment to the Authority instead.
- Oburu emphasizes the importance of citizens understanding their rights and the role of IPOA in ensuring police accountability.
- IPOA aims to work closely with the NPS to promote evidence-based policing and improve relationships between the police and citizens.
