The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has asked Inspector General (IG) of Police Japheth Koome to equip police officers with body cameras and drones to effectively manage and counter protesters.
IPOA in a statement on June 19, urged Koome to ensure that police officers in operations are properly and adequately kitted for their safety.
“Pursuant to Section 6 (c) of the IPOA Act, the Authority yesterday, 18th June 2024 commenced monitoring activities and deployed its officers to observe and monitor how the National Police Service conducted public order management during the demonstrations over the Finance Bill in Nairobi and Mombasa counties,” IPOA said in a statement.
“The authority recommends that the Service upscales its capacity towards technology-driven surveillance including employment of drone technology and body cameras for enhanced accountability during public order management.”
IPOA Issues recommendations to Koome
IPOA noted that it had received and is expediting the investigation of cases on the excessive use of force by the police during the public order management of the protests.
The authority also said it recorded two serious injuries amongst members of the National Police Service (NPS) which occurred during tear gas canister deployment.
Also Read: Latest on Police Officer Who Blew His Hands During Anti-Finance Bill Protests
To prevent such incidents in the future, the IPOA urged IG Koome to ensure that police officers receive comprehensive training in equipment handling.
Additionally, IPOA has emphasized the need for police officers to be adequately equipped for their safety during operations. The Authority has called on the Inspector General to prioritize the proper kitting of officers to enhance their protection while on duty.
IPOA also reminded the public to adhere to CAP 56 of the Laws of Kenya, which governs public order, to maintain peace and ensure the safety of all citizens during demonstrations.
Furthermore, the Authority addressed social media allegations that one of its staff members is married to a member of the NPS. After reviewing its Human Resource records, the Authority could not verify the accuracy of these claims.
Also Read: Alfred Mutua Gifts Ksh1M to Cop Who Lost His Hands During Protests, Lectures Kenyans
IPOA also stated that it will continue its monitoring operations until the conclusion of the demonstrations.
Upon completion, the authority said it will release a monitoring report with actionable recommendations for the relevant authorities.
Other Directives Given
Furthermore, IPOA encourages Kenyans who wish to lodge complaints against any member of the National Police Service to contact the Authority using the following contact information Tollfree No 1559 which is free of charge.
Other contacts include Nairobi: 0792532627; 0773999000, Eldoret: 0204403548; 0204906000, Garissa: 0791559346, Mombasa: 0799019998, Kisumu: 0799862244, Nakuru: 0736435616, Kakamega: 0204403549, Meru: 0777490652 and Nyeri: 0202004664.
The authority’s directive comes after Kenyans took to the streets on June 18 to protest against the Finance Bill 2024 dubbed #OccupyParliament.
During the demonstrations, a police officer blew off his fingers while trying to throw a teargas canister to protesters.
According to a Police OB report filed at the Central Police Station on Tuesday, the officer detonated a tear gas cannister and delayed releasing it thereby exploding in his hands.
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