Ex-IPOA chair grilled over tenure in office

Former IPOA chairperson Anne Makori during an interview at the Milimani Law Courts for the Supreme Court judge position. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson, Anne Makori, was put to task yesterday over her tenure at the helm of the agency.

Makori  had previously applied to be the Judiciary’s Chief Deputy Registrar.

She explained that she has always wanted to join the bar, adding that: “I have always desired to join the Judiciary so that I can contribute to the development of the law,” said Makori.

Asked what she would pick, she said the position in the Supreme Court. According to her, the apex court is an important institution to defend the Constitution.

She said that she had not appeared before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to argue cases. Nevertheless, she expressed confidence that she is the best, citing her experience in different sectors.

“I would choose the role of a Supreme Court judge because of its unique mandate. Drawing on my experience at IPOA, I deeply appreciate the importance of constitutional safeguards and I would serve as both a defender and promoter of the Constitution of Kenya. I will be bringing an all-rounded practitioner with an all-rounded experience from the private sector and public service,” she said, adding that she had a niche in commercial law.

When asked about the perception of her former colleagues at IPOA, Makori denied being authoritarian, but stated she is firm.

“ I know that I am firm because, as a chair, you know that if you are not, many things would go wrong,” she said, adding that running government entities is not a walk in the park.

 Makori said that the issue of domineering could have come from IPOA, as there were issues for which they would not have a consensus,” she replied.

She cited issues of accountability and prudent use of public resources as among those that needed a firm decision. “ When you’re leading an institution, you get into conflict with a lot of people, and when you put your foot down, they say you are domineering, because you are not accommodating certain things but I do not think I am because if I am, I could not be able to establish good working relationship, a lot of work I got from other agencies to make the work of IPOA possible.

‘‘As a judge, you will need an independent mind, even when you are working in collegiality with the others,” added Makori.

Justice Joseph Sergon on the other hand, was put to task over a case involving Pevans and Nation Media Group.

Justice Fatuma Sichale, judge of the Court of Appeal and a commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission, asked him to explain the extension of an order when the initial orders had lapsed.

Justice Sergon said that he needed to look at the file to objectively answer the question.

“I will need time to peruse the file,” he said.

Another complaint, dated April 1, 2026, but received yesterday, was on another case involving Mohamed Abubakar and the Wiper Democratic Movement and four others.

Justice Sichale explained that the person objecting to his nomination claimed that he indicated that they had not filed submissions, but they had allegedly done so, and that he declined to suspend his judgment when he was alerted.

 Sergon said that the complainants indicated that he was honest and did not have the submissions. According to him, he determined the case based on what was before him.

“ I approach this position as an opportunity to serve the people of Kenya by upholding the constitution and development of jurisprudence,” he said.

In the meantime, Justice Sergon argued that there should be legislation to enable survivors of rape and defilement have a right to abortion. He asserted that currently, they are not permitted.

“ Critically examining and looking at circumstances the issue of rape takes place, it is my view that the issue touches on the right to abortion,” he said.