Amidst a storm of public outcry and human rights protests, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has hit a wall in its investigations into a series of alleged abductions.
On Friday, July 12, IPOA announced that it has been unable to access eight victims linked to these sinister disappearances, stoking fears and frustration among advocates for justice.
The Authority reported receiving ten complaints of unlawful arrests, abductions, and disappearances, all in various stages of analysis and investigation.
Chairperson Anne Makori, in a firm statement, underscored the gravity of the situation. “On its own motion, IPOA has so far received 10 complaints of unlawful arrests, abductions, and disappearances which are at different stages of analysis and investigations,” she stated.
Of these ten cases, eight remain particularly troubling. These individuals, including Austin Omondi, Gabriel Oguda, John Frank, Drey Mwangi, Shadradc Kiprono, Osama Otero, and Leslie Muturi in Nairobi, and Joshua Okayo, President of the Kenya School of Law, allegedly abducted in Kajiado, have all vanished without a trace.
IPOA’s inability to access these victims has hampered their investigative efforts.
In a plea for public assistance, IPOA urged victims and eyewitnesses to come forward and provide critical information. “It therefore requests victims and any other relevant eyewitnesses to come forward and record statements to facilitate speedy investigations of these allegations,” the Authority stated.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing mystery of Joseph Mwangi and Denzel Omondi, who are still missing. IPOA stressed the need for community support, “IPOA requests relevant eyewitnesses to come forward and record statements to facilitate speedy investigations of these allegations.”
Tragically, one of the victims has been found deceased, reported the authority. IPOA stated it had attended the post-mortem, requested police documents, and is calling for any verifiable CCTV footage or photographs from witnesses to aid in the investigation.
Reports of three abductions in Isiolo involving Mukhtar Tache Ali, Nura Abdi Diba, and Issa Osman are also under preliminary assessment, adding to the growing list of unresolved cases.
IPOA, tasked with investigating deaths and serious injuries caused by police actions and police misconduct, has often faced criticism for perceived shortcomings in holding officers accountable. Its mandate includes recommending disciplinary actions or prosecutions to prevent impunity and enhance accountability within the National Police Service.
Human rights organisations have reported a surge in abductions by security forces, with at least 34 individuals allegedly tortured or unaccounted for since mid-June, coinciding with the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
Government critics, particularly those who participated in these protests, are living in fear, as highlighted by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and other groups.
IPOA’s role extends to receiving complaints from the public and police officers alike, and initiating independent investigations. The Authority can refer cases to appropriate bodies and seek court intervention to implement its recommendations.
