I will speak truth to power- IPOA chairperson nominee Duncan Ojwang Oburu tells MPs
Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson nominee Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu has pledged to speak “truth to power” and defend the rights of Kenyans if approved to lead the police oversight body. Dr Ojwang told the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that he would maintain IPOA’s […]
Dr Duncan Ojwang Oburu, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson nominee, pledged during a National Assembly Departmental Committee meeting on August 12, 2026, to speak "truth to power" and safeguard the rights of Kenyans if approved to lead the oversight body. He emphasized IPOA's independence and cooperation with the National Police Service to improve policing and restore public confidence.
Ojwang stated that IPOA's primary responsibility is to protect citizens and ensure police officers operate within constitutional and legal boundaries. He stressed the need to strike a balance between IPOA's functional independence and cooperation with the police service, particularly in areas like investigations and handling complaints.
The nominee proposed installing closed-circuit television cameras and using body cameras by police officers to enhance transparency and accountability. Ojwang also highlighted the need for more resources and personnel for IPOA to effectively discharge its mandate, given its current capacity of about 300 employees compared to an approved staff establishment of 1,300.
He backed proposals to expand IPOA's oversight mandate to other State agencies, including the Kenya Wildlife Service and prison services, arguing that civilian oversight should apply to all State institutions with coercive powers.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
