The effectiveness of the investigative powers of the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority

Christine Wanjiku

Abstract

Is the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) a toothless dog
or a lame duck? Some have put forward that IPOA was set up for failure
since inception. This commentary critiques the reality of these sentiments
from the perspective of IPOA’s power to investigate complaints on Kenyan
police use of excessive force. Investigations into the reported claims of police
brutality is among IPOA’s key accountability measures over police (mis)
conduct. However, IPOA has encountered various challenges in executing
its mandate, especially the ‘blue conduct of silence’. This paper demonstrates
that despite the challenges in executing investigations, IPOA has managed
to complete some investigations and secure some convictions.