IPOA to monitor police conduct during General election

Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) Chairman Macharia Njeru photo:courtesy

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has called on the public to report any cases of police misconduct during the election period.

Besides monitoring the conduct of the police during the Tuesday general elections, the authority will also monitor how the police control crowds.

The police will also be tasked with maintaining security during the polls.

“IPOA will be looking out on how police are complying with Article 244 of the Constitution that calls for professionalism, compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms and fostering good relations with the broader society,” said IPOA Chief Executive Officer Joel Mabonga.

He continued: “Officers found to have conducted themselves in an unprofessional manner will be held to account for their actions.”

The oversight body will dispatch 105 officers to monitor the polls in 31 counties and 77 constituencies.

“In areas where IPOA has no direct monitors, it will partner with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and other organisations,” said Mabonga in a statement.

ACCREDITATION LETTER

For easy identification, the monitors will have IPOA staff badges and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission observer badges.

The monitors will also have an accreditation letter signed by the IPOA boss.

For complaints and compliments, the public can use 0742 404560, 741-423-191, 0786-824-426 or 020 4906000.