MPs’ Threat to IPOA: Unravel Deaths in Anti-Government Protests or Face Commission of Inquiry
A parliamentary committee has given the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) two weeks to disclose the details of 50 people killed during anti-government protests, warning that failure to comply may lead to the House recommending the establishment of a commission of inquiry.
The National Assembly Constitutional Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC) has demanded that IPOA present and publish comprehensive findings from its investigation into the 50 deaths documented during the protests.
Committee chair Gathoni Wamuchomba emphasized that if IPOA fails to provide these details, the committee will be compelled to push for a commission of inquiry to investigate the matter.
“If a substantive report is not provided, this committee will urge the House to form a commission of inquiry to probe the deaths of innocent Kenyans,” stated Ms. Wamuchomba.
“Losing 50 lives along with the abductions is an issue this committee treats with utmost seriousness,” she added.
Githunguri MP Wamuchomba highlighted that lawmakers are under pressure from constituents who lost loved ones during the protests and demand justice, yet they lack answers to provide.
“Members here are unable to explain the deaths of their constituents, and grieving mothers are pleading for justice. IPOA must offer answers regarding these fatalities,” Wamuchomba stressed.
As the oversight body tasked with ensuring constitutional adherence, the committee will not stand by as police officers infringe upon Kenyans’ rights, Wamuchomba warned.
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“What section of the constitution grants police the authority to kill or abduct peaceful demonstrators? IPOA must address this firmly, or we’ll initiate a commission of inquiry,” she said.
The committee is demanding a detailed report from IPOA, including the names of the deceased, the circumstances of their deaths, and the identities of officers involved in the killings during the protests.
Despite IPOA’s data on the killings and abductions, MPs argued that the authority has failed to adequately inform the public about measures taken to hold police accountable.
“Are Kenyans aware of these deaths you’ve just shared with us? Have you consistently updated the media on the recorded deaths?” asked Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.
Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna criticized IPOA for not keeping the public informed about police brutality witnessed in Githurai and Ongata Rongai during the protests.
“Videos are circulating on social media showing incidents in Githurai. Have you taken any action or at least issued a statement?” Nguna asked.
“During the demonstrations, there were reports of abductions and deaths. How did you document those?” he added.
IPOA revealed to the committee that during the recent anti-government protests, 50 people were killed, 197 injured, and 19 abducted.
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IPOA Chief Executive Officer Elema Halake stated that they have already forwarded four cases related to the deaths to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further guidance and action.
“These are serious cases, and we have classified them as public interest matters, giving them high priority,” Mr. Halake informed the MPs.
Regarding the 19 abductions, Halake noted that IPOA has submitted all files to the DPP and is awaiting feedback.
However, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported a higher toll, placing the death count at 60, with 66 individuals still missing.
Halake clarified that IPOA can only account for cases they have independently verified, as their officers were deployed to the field, hospitals, and morgues during the protests.
“I can only speak to the figures we have confirmed and the complaints officially lodged with us,” Halake explained.
Unlike courts, commissions of inquiry are designed to delve deeper into issues of public concern, possessing a broader mandate. They are restricted to matters outlined in their regulations.
A commission of inquiry holds the authority to summon any witness and require them to provide evidence pertinent to the investigation, to uncover the truth.
All evidence presented before the commission must be signed and fully endorsed by the witness.
Parliament has the power to recommend to the President the formation of a commission of inquiry to investigate the conduct of any public official or the management of a public institution.
MPs’ Threat to IPOA: Unravel Deaths in Anti-Government Protests or Face Commission of Inquiry
