Nairobi — The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has hit back at the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome who labeled the agency's officials as 'busybodies' and directed police to use their firearms effectively against criminals.
IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori condemned what she described as a "shoot to kill order" against suspected criminals by the IG saying law enforcement officers must follow the law while executing their mandate.
Makori termed the pronouncement by the IG as "unfortunate and dangerous".
She warned police officers against using their weapons carelessly in the line of duty saying they will individually carry their cross.
"In all, the Authority wishes to remind police officers where criminal culpability has been established, that is after investigations, it is individuals who have been called to account: not the Service, not a Unit, and it is expected that there will be compliance with the Sixth Schedule, Part C on specific responsibilities of superior officers from issuing unlawful orders," she said.
On Friday, Koome slammed the IPOA for criticizing police officers who err while executing their mandate but keep mum when the same officers are killed in the line of duty.
"Officers, we don't want to hear you've been hurt, your hand cut yet you have a gun with you. Count on the IG to stand with you. We have a committed CS. Do not be cowed by the busybodies who keep on calling for the arrest of police officers. Today we are mourning and I don't see them anywhere," he said.
Makori however said that police have full support from both IPOA and the public, including when they make a decision that may result in the use of lethal force in justified circumstances.
Makori noted that the same supreme law that empowers the use of force, also calls, in equal measure, an account for some of its eventualities-the loss of life and serious injuries.
She pointed out that in 2011, Kenyans found it fit to have the IPOA Act with the objective to hold the Police accountable in the execution of their functions.
"Holding the Service accountable is not fault-finding or a witch hunt but it simply seeks to answer - what happened? Why did it happen? Was it avoidable? Can we prevent it in future?" Makori said.
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She stated that IPOA was established after a period of unchecked police excesses which had resulted to the to the loss of lives.
For the ten years the Authority has been in existence, Makori said that its impact on policing has been significant.
"IPOA has made policy recommendations that have reduced crime by embedding the police to live within communities; helped realise a functional Internal Affairs Unit; informed acquisition of police vehicles for rapid response and officer safety in operations; kitting including specialised gear to protect police officers and provision of AIES to Station Commanders," she said.
