Hope for victims as Ipoa set to open more county offices

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has decentralised its operations, making it easier for victims of police harassment and forced disappearances to lodge their complaints.

With the opening of offices in Mombasa, Garissa and Kisumu counties, the agency said the efficiency of detectives in solving cases will be greatly increased.

TAMPERED EVIDENCE

Mr Denis Oketch, head of communication and outreach, said the offices, which will be officially commissioned on Wednesday, will serve Nyanza, North Eastern and Coast regions.

"It was a challenge because whenever an incident occurred, we had to dispatch a detective (from Nairobi).

"But due to distance, the investigator might find the evidence tampered with or the victim doesn’t want to proceed with the case," Mr Oketch explained.

He added that the offices have been equipped with forensic and investigation equipment, and adequate officers such as investigators.

REPORT CASES

The move, he said, will benefit aggrieved people because they will not have to travel to the headquarters in Nairobi to report cases.

"In Coast region, complaints are mainly from Mombasa such as arbitrary arrests, assault and forced disappearances, which are common cases. In Taita Taveta we have cases of police harassment."

Ipoa chairman Macharia Njeru will meet with religious leaders, human rights defenders and the county officials at the Kenya School of Government before the commissioning.

Commission on Human Rights and Justice executive director Julius Ogogoh said families whose kin have allegedly disappeared in the hands of police officer will now be able to report the cases.

"Cases of police harassment are rife in Mombasa, we hope Ipoa will ensure justice prevails," Mr Oketch said.