Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Wednesday, May 3, responded to allegations of harassment of Azimio Members of Parliament (MPs) by police officers during street protests.
In a statement dated April 28, IPOA acknowledged that it launched investigations into the alleged harassment of Azimio MPs by KICC Police Station OCS in an incident that occurred on March 20, 2023.
“Pursuant to its investigative function, the authority commenced independent investigations into the above subject matter (investigations into the alleged harassment of Azimio MPs by the OCS KICC Police Station) that occurred on March 20, 2023,” read part of the IPOA statement.
As a result, IPOA urged Azimio MPs to confirm their availability to record statements with investigators regarding the incident.
The authority also called upon Azimio leaders to help identify other victims of police brutality as well as witnesses.
“Section 7(1) a (i) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act accords the authority power to gather any information it considers necessary by such lawful means as may deem appropriate including requisition of reports, records and documents from any source,” IPOA stated.
The letter, which was written to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, came after Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, on April 18, 2023, claimed that an attack by law enforcement officers during the protest left him with a broken leg.
While appearing on Citizen TV, the Wiper Party MP noted that the force from the police meted against the protesters was too harsh.
"I am a victim of police violence. Japhet Koome was the Nairobi Region Commander when the police attacked us unprovoked," he stated.
The MP was responding to Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome who he claimed urged his juniors in the National Police Service not to be intimidated by threats from Azimio la Umoja leaders.
The difference between the opposition and the police service saw Azimio la Umoja write to the International Criminal Court (ICC) requesting the trial of Police IG Koome over crimes against humanity.
Raila Odinga's Chief Legal Advisor, Paul Mwangi, who wrote the letter to the ICC noted that police had used excessive force leading to deaths
Consequently, Azimio demanded Koome be personally held responsible for the brutal force with which the police handled the protesters.
On Sunday, April 16, IG Koome asked police officers to firmly deal with protesters noting that no one should be threatened with court cases.
"As the National Police Service, we are not intimidated at all by Azimio la Umoja's letter to the International Criminal Court (ICC)," the IG directed.
