Duncan Ojwang: Challenges awaiting incoming IPOA boss amid push for protest victims’ justice
The appointment of Duncan Ojwang Oburu as chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) comes at a difficult moment for Kenya’s civilian police watchdog, with thousands of cases pending, pressure for wider oversight powers and growing public demands for accountability. Ojwang takes over from Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who left the chairmanship after his […]
Duncan Ojwang Oburu has been appointed as chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in Kenya. This appointment comes at a challenging time for IPOA, which is currently facing a backlog of thousands of cases related to allegations of police misconduct and deaths in custody. Ojwang succeeds Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who left the position to become a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
During his vetting process, Ojwang pledged to protect the independence of IPOA while maintaining a good relationship with the National Police Service. However, the backlog of cases raises concerns about how IPOA prioritizes investigations, the time it takes for investigations to be completed, and why some cases remain unresolved.
The credibility of IPOA depends on how it handles each case after a complaint is made, as investigations that take years can leave victims feeling that accountability and justice have been postponed.
Recent high-profile cases, such as the unresolved death of Rex Masai during protests in June 2024, highlight the importance of evidence in police accountability. The case raises questions about the accuracy of identifying officers, securing crime scenes, recovering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preserving digital evidence. Similarly, the murder case of Albert Omondi Ojwang in police custody demonstrates the need for independent evidence when police conduct is under scrutiny.
Ojwang's appointment also coincides with a politically sensitive background. As a previous critic of the Ruto administration, his independence may face scrutiny, particularly if IPOA investigations involve politically sensitive incidents. However, the ultimate test of his appointment is whether IPOA can investigate police conduct without fear or favor while still maintaining the necessary cooperation to obtain information from the National Police Service.
Ojwang's background in human rights and governance gives him relevant experience for the role. Serving as chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, he focused on issues of rights protection and state accountability, central to IPOA's mandate. However, experience alone is not enough to resolve IPOA's problems.
The authority must address the backlog, improve evidence management, enhance communication with complainants, and ensure investigations do not end only with the completion of reports. Additionally, IPOA must consider the question of what happens after an investigation. If recommendations are made but cases stall elsewhere, victims remain without closure, weakening the accountability chain.
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.
