IPOA: Why We Want Sh4bn Forensic Lab Out of DCI’s Control
A tense standoff is escalating between the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding control of the Sh4 billion forensic laboratory.
IPOA argues that the lab’s current management under DCI hinders their investigations, particularly in cases involving police misconduct.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Constitutional Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC), IPOA Commissioner Dr. Walter Ogon called for the lab to operate independently, free from DCI, police, or IPOA influence, to ensure unbiased investigations.
“The forensic lab must be a stand-alone entity, free from DCI or police oversight, allowing it to serve all without interference,” Dr. Ogon emphasized to the committee.
Appearing alongside IPOA CEO Elema Halake, Dr. Ogon noted that the lab’s advanced facilities should be available for all investigative agencies to use without restrictions.
“This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art tools, but it needs to be independent,” Dr. Ogon reiterated.
He reminded the committee that a similar recommendation had been made to the David Maraga Taskforce, underscoring the lab’s need for autonomy to preserve its integrity.
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Borabu MP Patrick Osero questioned how IPOA can conduct impartial investigations using a lab managed by the same officers under scrutiny.
“How can you expect credible results when investigating officers using a lab they control? It’s a futile effort,” Mr. Osero stated.
Inaugurated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in June 2022, the lab features specialized units like fingerprints, ballistics, cybercrime, document analysis, economic crimes, toxicology, and forensic chemistry, among others.
The lab’s 10 departments aid in solving crimes such as sexual assault, kidnappings, murder, cyber fraud, and illegal arms trafficking.
Additionally, the lab’s forensic chemistry section can analyze gunshot residue on clothing and skin to identify firearm users.
During Thursday’s session, IPOA expressed concerns to lawmakers about the National Police Service’s (NPS) lack of cooperation, a major obstacle to fulfilling their mandate.
IPOA pointed out delays in executing arrest warrants, failure to produce evidence, and officers covering up for their colleagues as key challenges.
They also highlighted difficulties in accessing forensic services, which hamper timely investigations.
Furthermore, IPOA revealed that despite gathering substantial evidence, parallel investigations by the DCI often lead to court cases with weak outcomes, undermining justice.
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IPOA’s mandate under Section Six of the IPOA Act includes probing misconduct by police officers, ensuring independent oversight, inspecting police facilities, and monitoring public interactions with law enforcement.
Last month, IPOA Commissioner Joseph Waiganjo criticized police for obstructing efforts to hold officers accountable for killing protesters.
Mr. Waiganjo accused the police of withholding deployment schedules, and arms registers, and ignoring summonses.
“IPOA has never faced such resistance from senior police commanders and other government institutions as we are seeing now,” Mr. Waiganjo remarked.
The strained relationship between the IPOA and the NPS was also blamed for the collapse of the police service awards program.
Launched in 2014 to recognize outstanding police officers, the program was intended to promote professionalism within the force.
Besides budgetary issues, IPOA cited police non-cooperation, delayed and incomplete nomination forms, and self-nominations as reasons for discontinuing the awards program.
Moreover, IPOA revealed that lobbying by officers to receive awards and perceived favoritism in promotions further tainted the program’s credibility.
IPOA: Why We Want Sh4bn Forensic Lab Out of DCI’s Control
