IPOA Slams IG Koome over Shoot to Kill Order: “Unfortunate and Dangerous”

• IPOA chairperson Anne Makori condemned IG Japhet Koome for issuing the shoot-to-kill order against suspected criminals
• Anne Makori reiterated that it was in the spirit of this pledge that IPOA continues to commit to the execution of its mandate
• Article 239 (5) of the Constitution of Kenya determines that all national security organs are subordinate to civilian authority

The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has responded to remarks by the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome that he termed the authority as part of busybodies that run the National Police Service (NPS).

In a statement on Saturday, December 17, IPOA chairperson Anne Makori condemned the IG for issuing the shoot-to-kill order against suspected criminals.

“President William Ruto proclaimed himself and his administration on extrajudicial deaths occurring as a result of rogue police officers. On his part, the Inspector General acknowledged that 98% of police officers are good while the remaining 2% needed to be rehabilitated with the support of institutions such as IPOA,” Makori said.

Read also

DCI Denies Detaining Ex-KDF Officer in Dark Room for a Year: “We Don’t Run Remand Facility”

The mandate of IPOA

Makori reiterated that it was in the spirit of this pledge that IPOA continues to commit to the execution of its mandate.

She cited Article 239 (5) of the Constitution of Kenya which determines that all national security organs are subordinate to civilian authority.

“The authority shall investigate any death or serious injury; including death or serious injury while in police custody, which is the result of police action or was caused by members of the service while on duty,” she said.

Makori also revealed that for the 10 years, the authority has been in existence, rightfully, it has been busy, ultimately ensuring that Kenyans have confidence in police officers.

Makori said that the authority has been for the past 10 years been indeed busy assuring that officers are mandated to protect the lives and property of Kenyans under the confines of the law.

Read also

Kithure Kindiki Defends Police over Use of Firearms: “Are They Supposed to Wait and Be Killed?”

Boots on the ground

She said that a majority of officers within the NPS follow the law noting that out of 20,000 complaints against police officers, 500 files have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with recommendations to charge.

Upon assuming office, Koome pledged to protect NPS officers who use firearms within the provisions of the law.

In his inaugural speech after being sworn in, Koome said the Police Act allows officers to use firearms under specific circumstances.

“I will tell you our officers are aware of when they are allowed to use a firearm, and it is in law under the police act,” Koome said on Friday, November 11.

Source: TUKO.co.ke