By Cyrus Ombati
The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko on Thursday met with the Board members of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to discuss matters of mutual interest. The Board had paid Tobiko a courtesy call in his office.
The DPP noted that there is convergence of the IPOA and DPP’s mandate in regard to, among others, investigations and the need to ensure that there is no abuse of the criminal legal process.
While commending the members of the Board for their appointment, Tobiko added that IPOA would play a crucial role in ensuring accountability of police actions. Tobiko further stated that the ODPP would be willing to share its experience and competency with IPOA.
On his part, Macharia Njeru, the Chairman of the IPOA Board stated that the ODPP was not only key in the criminal justice system but also an important cog in the success of IPOA’s work.
He stated that the creation of the independent ODPP was in the best interests of the country.
He pledged to work closely with the DPP and ensure that IPOA would only submit cases to the DPP that in their opinion were prosecutable. He emphasised the need for a cordial relationship and cooperation between the two institutions for the wider interests of the public.
Macharia stated that IPOA was currently seeking to build its capacity through recruitment of key personnel as well as infrastructural development. He singled out the crucial need for forensic expertise that would allow IPOA effectively and professionally investigate matters under its mandate.
The mandate of the Authority includes investigating complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offences committed by any member of the National Police Service, making recommendations for prosecution, compensation, monitoring and investigating policing operations affecting members of the public, conducting inspections of police premises and other detention facilities under Police control, and reviewing the patterns of police misconduct and the functioning of the internal disciplinary process.
Macharia also stated that they were seeking to develop an elaborate and comprehensive ICT infrastructure to support complaints received by members of the public as well as the Police.
While agreeing with Macharia, Tobiko stated that the ODPP was in itself in the process, with the assistance of development partners, working towards establishing its own ICT capability.
He concurred with the Board that there was need to have a shared and integrated ICT infrastructure among the key agencies.
