The independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has strongly condemned the attack on the police officer in Vihiga on 22 May afternoon.
The incident, which left one officer attacked and seriously injured, occurred in Cheptulu, Tiriki East Sub-County when the officer was on duty.
According to IPOA chairman Issack Hassan, Officers from Shaviringa Police Post, while on patrol along the Muhudu-Shaviringa Road, came face to face with individuals who looked like criminal suspects.
In the course of engagement, the suspects reportedly raised an alarm, before members of the public launched an attack that resulted in serious injury to one of the officers.
Through the statement released by the IPOA dated 22 May 2025 IPOA have reiterated that it is unacceptable for the members of the public to take the law into their own hands since the action undermines the rule of law, promotes lawlessness, and interferes with the foundation of the public order and security
“The Authority wishes to reiterate that, with a functioning National Police Service and an independent Judiciary in place, it is wholly unacceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands. Such actions undermine the rule of law, promote lawlessness, and erode the foundations of public order and security,” said Hassan.
Further the Authority urged Kenyans to continue exercising restraint and to report any incidents of police misconduct to the Authority or other relevant oversight bodies.
Hassan added that the OPOA is committed to its mandate of ensuring accountability within the National Police Service and promoting respect for the rule of law.
Cases Of Police Attacks
Cases of police attacks in Kenya have been on the rise, with officers increasingly being targeted by criminals during operations, while off-duty, or in ambush-style assaults.
In December 2023, a senior officer in Vihiga County was stabbed and robbed of his firearm in a market.
Also Read: KDF Responds to BBC Documentary Showing Soldiers Shooting Protesters at Parliament
In Kisumu, a police officer was attacked at a petrol station by armed assailants who stole his vehicle. In Busia, another officer was overpowered and lost his gun to a suspect who escaped across a river.
IPOA Investigations
IPOA continues to investigate cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Notably, the authority is probing incidents where bodies were recovered from rivers, indicating potential police involvement.
Also Read: IPOA Staff Tired of Investigating Abduction Cases
These investigations aim to uncover the circumstances surrounding these deaths and ensure justice for the victims.
IPOA is an oversight body in Kenya established under the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, 2011. Its main responsibility is to provide independent oversight of the National Police Service to ensure transparency and accountability in policing.
Additionally, the Authority was formed in 2011 following recommendations from the Waki Commission and the Ransley Task Force, which called for an independent body to oversee police conduct after the 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
