Duncan Ojwang Oburu is set to take charge of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority after the National Assembly approved his nomination as the new chairperson, with the nominee having promised to protect the rights of Kenyans and maintain the body’s independence in dealing with police misconduct.
Ojwang will replace Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who relinquished the position after he was appointed to serve as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Kenya.
The new IPOA chairperson had, during his appearance before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on August 12, outlined how he intended to run the authority if given the green light.
He pledged to stand firm when dealing with issues involving the police and said he would not shy away from speaking out when the rights of Kenyans were at stake.
“I believe I am courageous. I speak truth. Trust me with that responsibility. We will speak truth to power,” Ojwang told the committee during his approval hearing.
Ojwang said the work of IPOA was mainly to protect citizens and ensure police officers exercise their powers according to the Constitution and the law.
He described the authority as an important link between Kenyans and the police oversight system, saying it should remain independent when dealing with complaints, reviewing police activities and investigating cases of alleged police misconduct.
“IPOA is the eye of Kenyans because Kenyans are the sovereign of this country,” he said, adding that the authority should be able to carry out its duties without interference.
Ojwang also spoke about the working relationship between IPOA and the National Police Service, saying cooperation between the two institutions was necessary but should not weaken the authority’s ability to carry out its mandate.
He said working with the Inspector-General of Police should not mean that IPOA becomes subject to instructions from the police command.
The nominee told the committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo that IPOA would need to maintain a clear balance between working with the police and protecting its independence.
He said not every part of IPOA’s work required the same approach, pointing out that investigations and matters involving police misconduct demand an independent position.
At the same time, he said activities such as inspections, police reforms and engagement with police authorities would require the two sides to work together.
“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 instructions from the IG,” he said.
Ojwang further said the authority needed to improve how it engages with members of the public, especially Kenyans who report complaints against police officers.
He promised to remain available to citizens if approved, saying people should have faith that IPOA would listen to their complaints and respond to the issues they raise.
His approval by the National Assembly now paves the way for Ojwang to assume leadership of the police oversight body and take forward his pledge to protect citizens, preserve IPOA’s independence and improve its connection with the public.