IPOA bags best public service delivery award

Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has won the third edition of Kenya Ombudsman Award for best public service delivery.

The IPOA was awarded for professionalism and making the police service accountable to the public especially accelerating justice for victims of police brutality hence

It was also honoured for enhancing trust in the police service.

Speaking during the award ceremony held at Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, Attorney-General Githu Muigai said that since the institution was established in mid-2012, it has carried out over 465 investigations.

“As at December 31, 2016, had cumulatively made recommendations to the DPP on 67 cases, out of which 53 had been examined and returned to IPOA for subsequent processes that include penal and administrative actions,” stated the recommendations.

FAIR JUSTICE

The Authority has also been praised for not only ensuring rogue officers get penalised but has also vindicated those who have been wrongfully accused thereby promoting fair administration of justice.

Besides IPOA, individual officers were also awarded for their outstanding service to the public.

Corporal David Kipng’eno Chumo, Bomet Police Station (Traffic Department) won the individual category for upholding integrity in public service, selflessness and going beyond the call of duty to promote the rule of law.

“You have, for years, remained true to your calling and served the people diligently. You have undertaken your duties with honesty and with integrity demonstrating that it is possible to live a life of honour and serve the people as a traffic police officer,” said the acting Commission on Administrative Justice also known as the Ombudsman chairperson Regina Mwatha.

Corporal Chumo was recognised for having arrested poachers who continue to pose a threat to one of Kenya’s main revenue earners – tourism; and illegal loggers who are a threat to the preservation of the eco-systems.

TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

He was described as “the incorruptible, humane officer” and an epitome of what police service is all about.

“I have been threatened during my line of duty but I do not believe that all police officers are corrupt they need to be recognised as they are also human beings,” he said.

The first runners up went to Olivia L. A. Obell, Officer-In-Charge, Lang’ata Women Maximum Security Prison for transformative leadership, innovation and exemplary work in Kenya’s correctional facilities.

Jennifer Wangari, a Senior Children Officer with the Ministry of East African Community, Labour and Social Protection was the second runners up for transformative and exemplary leadership and promoting transparency in management of public affairs.

Others who received letters of commendation by the Omboudsman include Eric Ngondi an environment officer at NEMA for helping people with disability and mentorship, Mr George Natembea who is the Isiolo County Commissioner, Joseph Ngondu Senior Chief of Ngendu in Gatundu and Wilson Ndaluki, Samach Primary School head teacher from West Pokot.