Maraga Reveals How He Will Unite Police Service & IPOA

Former Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga Speaking at Kabarak University during a book launch on Tuesday October 11, 2022.
Former Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga speaking at Kabarak University during a book launch on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Kabarak University Press

Former Chief Justice Maraga revealed a plan to unite the National Police Service (NPS) and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Maraga, while speaking to the press on Monday, January 30, announced that the Police Reforms Taskforce had already swung into action to unite the two entities.

This was in accordance with the Taskforce’s mandate of tabling recommendations that will increase the efficiency of the Kenya Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service.

Anne Makori, Independent Policing Oversight Authority(IPOA) chairperson
Anne Makori, Independent Policing Oversight Authority(IPOA) chairperson
File

“We are aware that there have been existing tensions between NPS and IPOA.

“I want to inform Kenyans that we have already asked the two parties to come up with a memorandum,” the former CJ announced.

In the memorandum, everyone is expected to outline challenges that make them not able to execute their duties as enshrined in the law.

“Once we get the memorandums, we will make a recommendation on the action to be taken going forward.

“Our recommendations will end the operational constraints currently being experienced by the two parties,” Maraga further explained.

Maraga revealed that the task force had already received a memorandum from NPS and was waiting on IPOA to make final recommendations.

IPOA has been at loggerheads with the police department on how and when to discharge weapons.

On December 17, 2022, the authority told off Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, after he asked police officers to use their guns to protect themselves while in danger. 

On December 22, 2022, President William Ruto named Maraga as the Chairperson of a 20-member task force to assess the terms and conditions of service for police and prison service officers.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome
File
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