The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced the resignation of its Chairperson, Issack Hassan, who is among 15 new judges recently sworn into the Court of Appeal.
Hassan, who had led IPOA since 2024, was sworn in alongside his fellow judges three weeks ago.
“The Board wishes to inform the public that its Chairperson, Hon. Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan has tendered his resignation from the Authority.
"Following this development, the vice chairperson Anne Mwangi will henceforth preside over the Board of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority as the process of filling the position of chairperson commences, pursuant to Section 11 of Cap 86 of the Laws of Kenya and paragraph 4 of the Second Schedule to the Act," a statement from IPOA said.
A former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), he steps down to assume his role in the appellate court.
The transition is being conducted in accordance with the law and the Board will now be chaired by vice chairperson Ann Wanjiku.
IPOA was established under the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act to provide civilian oversight over the National Police Service (NPS).
President William Ruto presided over the swearing-in ceremony at State House, officially inducting the 15 judges into the Court of Appeal.
The other judges include Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, and Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich.
President Ruto’s longtime lawyer Katwa Kigen, along with Paul Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello, and Byram Ongaya.
The new judges bring experience from the High Court, senior advocates, and the larger legal profession.
The appointments increase the number of judges in the Court of Appeal from 27 to 42, a move aimed at strengthening the judiciary’s capacity and reducing delays in handling appellate cases.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) oversaw the selection process, which included public advertising of vacancies, opportunities for public input, open interviews, and thorough vetting.
Candidates were evaluated on professional competence, communication skills, integrity, fairness, and legal experience.
