IPOA Chairperson Nominee Duncan Ojwang Pledges to ‘Speak Truth to Power’ if Approved
Dr Ojwang said cooperation between IPOA and the Inspector-General of Police should not be confused with subordination.
On August 13 in Nairobi, Kenya, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson nominee Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu pledged to uphold transparency and protect Kenyan citizens' rights if approved to lead the police oversight body. During his approval hearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Dr. Ojwang emphasized the importance of maintaining IPOA's independence while fostering cooperation with the National Police Service to enhance policing and rebuild public trust.
He stated that he believed himself to be courageous and that he would "speak truth to power." Dr. Ojwang highlighted IPOA's primary responsibility as safeguarding citizens and ensuring police officers operate within the Constitution and the law. He stressed that IPOA should remain independent during investigations of police misconduct, evaluations of police operations, and handling of abuse complaints.
Cooperation between IPOA and the Inspector-General of Police should not be mistaken for subordination, as the authority should not accept instructions from police command in carrying out its oversight mandate. Dr. Ojwang emphasized the need to balance functional independence with cooperation in certain areas, such as investigations, inspections, reforms, and engagement with police authorities.
He also proposed implementing closed-circuit television cameras in all police stations and the use of body cameras by police officers to improve transparency and accountability. Dr. Ojwang advocated for the digitalization of police records and a larger staff to effectively discharge IPOA's mandate. He supported expanding IPOA's oversight mandate to other State agencies with firearm-authorized officers and proposed reforms granting IPOA arrest powers in cases under investigation.
The nominee defended his legal qualifications, explaining that he had taught law for over a decade and had engaged the Council of Legal Education to obtain admission to practice law in Kenya. Dr. Ojwang also promised to shield IPOA staff from political interference and arbitrary changes, emphasizing that institutional stability and retaining experienced personnel were crucial to the authority's effectiveness.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
