The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has called upon Kenyans to submit complaints regarding police conduct amid the ongoing Anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
In a series of tweets on Thursday, the Authority expressed openness to receiving complaints related to police behaviour, despite the unrest caused by demonstrations against the Finance Bill in different parts of the country.
Citizens willing to lodge complaints against any member of the National Police Service are encouraged to use the following contacts:
Toll-free No.: 1559 (free of charge)
Eldoret: 0204403548
Nairobi: 0792532627; 0773999000; 0204906000
Garissa: 0791559346
Mombasa: 0799019998
Kisumu: 0799862244
Nakuru: 0736435616
Kakamega: 0204403549
Meru: 0777490652
Nyeri: 0202004664
This comes a day after the policing oversight authority deployed its officers to begin monitoring activities on how the National Police Service (NPS) has conducted public order management during the demonstrations over the Finance Bill in various counties.
The authority further noted the already used excessive force during order management posing serious injuries to both protestors and the police.
"We have recorded two serious injuries amongst members of the NPS which occurred during tear gas canister deployment," read part of the statement issued on Wednesday.
The Oversight Authority urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure adequate equipment handling training for cops.
In a bid to urge the public to take cautionary measures even as they exercise their right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket, IPOA pleaded with the public to comply with CAP 56 of the Laws of Kenya on public order.
The law stipulates guidelines on public procession. It states that any person who takes part in any public meeting or public procession deemed to be an unlawful assembly or holds, convenes, or organizes unlawful procession shall be guilty of the offense of taking part in an unlawful assembly.
On the verge of the ongoing intense demonstrations, the authority has also noted the increased instances of cyberbullying on social media platforms. It has condemned and discouraged Kenyans from targeted online bullying.
Additionally, IPOA has encouraged any individuals with information related to cyberbullying to report through email: infor@ipoa.go.ke or through the earlier mentioned telephone numbers.
The Authority further committed to continue monitoring operations to the conclusion of the demonstrations upon which the authority will release a monitoring report with actionable recommendations to relevant authorities.
