Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson nominee Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu has pledged to speak ‘truth to power’ and defend Kenyans’ rights if approved to lead the police oversight body.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Wednesday, Ojwang said he will protect IPOA’s independence while working 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,” he told MPs.
Ojwang said IPOA must remain independent when investigating police misconduct, examining operations and handling complaints, stressing that cooperation with the police should not amount to subordination.
“IPOA’s judgment and independence in terms of its operation and judgment cannot allow it to take instruction from the IG,” he said.
He identified police brutality and deaths in police custody as key areas requiring urgent attention and proposed functional CCTV cameras in all police stations and body cameras for officers to improve transparency and accountability.
Ojwang also called for the digitisation of police records, including occurrence books and case files, to prevent tampering and speed up investigations.
He said IPOA was operating below its required capacity, with about 300 employees against an approved establishment of 1,300, and called for additional resources to enable the authority to effectively oversee the National Police Service.
The nominee further backed the expansion of IPOA’s oversight mandate to other State agencies whose officers carry firearms, including the Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service and prison services.
The committee will consider Ojwang’s responses before making its recommendation to the National Assembly on his suitability for appointment as IPOA chairperson.
