To ordinary Kenyans, IPOA is no better than a toothless bulldog

The promise of police accountability enshrined in the Constitution and cemented by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Act, 2011, is rapidly eroding under the weight of escalating police brutality and a perceived abdication of duty by the very body meant to safeguard civilian rights. As the nation grapples with the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, the actions of the IPOA, particularly its leadership, have drawn devastating criticism, fueling public scepticism and deepening the chasm of mistrust between citizens and law enforcement.

IPOA was established with a clear and crucial mandate: To hold the National Police Service accountable to the public, investigate complaints of police misconduct, and recommend actions, including prosecution. Yet, for too long, IPOA has been seen as a paper tiger, issuing statements and launching investigations that rarely culminate in tangible justice for victims. This systemic failure was glaringly evident during the Gen Z protests, where countless Kenyan youths, exercising their constitutional right to assembly and protest, have faced brutal crackdowns, arbitrary arrests, and unlawful detention, with little meaningful intervention or swift accountability from IPOA.