Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has noted with concern the incident in which a motorists attacked a police officer on May 2, 2024, in Mirema, Nairobi County.
Following the incident which caused public uproar IPOA advised citizens on what to do when provoked or angered by a police officer.
In a statement on Monday, June 3, the oversight authority asked Kenyans who feel offended by police officers to lodge their complaints with them for investigations instead of resorting to attack the police.
IPOA said all complaints should be sent through the toll-free number 1559.
“Kenyans who feel disgruntled about policing services, or police officers to lodge their complaints with the authority for investigations through the toll-free number 1559 instead of resorting to attack the police,” reads part of the statement.
The authority condemned the behavior of the motorist noting that such acts interrupt the provision of security services by Police Officers.
“IPOA strongly condemns such attacks noting that they interrupt the provision of security services strip the public of policing services, exacerbate disregard to the rule of law and inconveniences Kenyans of their constitutional right to enjoy quality policing services,” said IPOA.
Corporal Jacob Ogendo was on traffic management duties along Kamiti road, Kasarani when the incident occurred.
Also Read: IPOA Condemns Attack on Police Officers that Killed 2
Police Officer’s Right to Detain a Vehicle on Reasonable Cause
With respect to National Police Service act no. 11a of 2011, a traffic police can demand to search any vehicle and may detain it under reasonable circumstances.
The constitution further notes that a person who resists this commits an offence and is liable to be convicted and imprisoned for 1 year or pay a fine of not more than Ksh 100,000 or both.
“A police officer may stop, search and detain any vehicle or vessel which the police officer has reasonable cause to suspect is being used in the commission of, or to facilitate the commission of, an offence,” states act 58 of the constitution.
“A person who fails to obey a reasonable signal given by a police officer in uniform requiring the person to stop any vehicle or vessel commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings, or to both.”
Functions Of the Kenya Police
The objectives and functions of the National Police Service are set out in Article 244 of the Constitution and entreat police to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among its members.
Additionally, police are tasked with preventing corruption, promoting transparency and accountability, complying with constitutional standards of human rights and freedoms, and fostering relationships with the broader society.
Also Read: IPOA Wants Police Officers Paid Overtime Allowances
“The National Police Service shall— (a) strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among its members; (b) prevent corruption and promote and practice transparency and accountability; (c) comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“(d) train staff to the highest possible standards of competence and integrity and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and dignity; and (e) foster and promote relationships with the broader society,” states the constitution of Kenya.
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