NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 13 – Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson nominee Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu has pledged to speak “truth to power” and defend the rights of Kenyans if approved to lead the police oversight body.

📻 Breaking It Down

Dr Ojwang told the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Wednesday that he would maintain IPOA’s independence while fostering cooperation with the National Police Service to improve policing and restore public confidence.

“I believe I am courageous. I speak truth. Trust me with that responsibility. We will speak truth to power,” Dr Ojwang told the committee during his approval hearing.

He said IPOA’s primary responsibility was to protect citizens and ensure that police officers exercised their powers within the Constitution and the law.

📌 What You Need to Know

“IPOA is the eye of Kenyans because Kenyans are the sovereign of this country,” he said, adding that the authority should remain independent whenever it investigates police misconduct, examines police operations or handles complaints of abuse.

Dr Ojwang said cooperation between IPOA and the Inspector-General of Police should not be confused with subordination, noting that the authority should not take instructions from the police command when carrying out its oversight mandate.

He told the committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo that there was a need to strike a balance between functional independence and cooperation with the National Police Service.

According to the nominee, some aspects of IPOA’s work, including investigations, require complete independence, while other functions such as inspections, reforms and engagement with police authorities require cooperation.

“When it comes to misconduct, reported misconduct, checking operations and investigation, IPOA’s judgment and independence in terms of its operation and judgment cannot allow it to take instruction from the IG,” he said.

Dr Ojwang said IPOA should also become more accessible to members of the public and improve communication with citizens who lodge complaints against police officers.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya