IPOA records 121 complaints against police excesses in Marsabit

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has recorded 121 complaints against the conduct of police officers in Marsabit County.

Speaking on Friday in Saku during the official opening of IPOA’s new office, the authority’s chief executive officer, Mr Elema Halakhe, said the complaints range from failure to adhere to the 24-hour arraignment rule after arrest, extortion, corruption, illegal withholding of cash bail, and assault cases.

“These are the complaints we have received from both police and locals that, if not curbed in time, can severely injure the image of our servicemen and women,” said Elema.

IPOA commissioner Nyaga Muchiri said this trend necessitated launching the new IPOA office in the county to address these growing concerns.

“A number of police brutality cases involving a few rogue officers have been reported here. Now, this new office will bring our services closer to the residents who previously travelled long distances to Meru County to lodge their complaints about police excesses,” added Nyaga.

IPOA is now urging residents to utilise the new office by reporting their complaints about police brutality more conveniently.

Furthermore, the issue of the police department allegedly refusing to return or demanding a portion of the cash bail imposed on suspects has been cited as an issue that deserves urgent investigation by IPOA.

While welcoming the initiative, human rights defender Mohamed Hassan called out selective police operations that lead to a blanket assault on innocent residents, despite police sometimes undertaking intelligence-led operations.

Mohamed pleaded for an urgent resolution of all reported cases, painting a grim picture of serious violations he witnessed firsthand against residents at the hands of police officers.

Residents have also called upon IPOA to conduct an open forum session, giving Marsabit residents a chance to voice their historical grievances about injustices committed by police officers.