Conform to reforms, Isiolo police advised

The security forces have been urged to read and understand the newly-formed Independent Policing Oversight Authority and what it entails for them in the new dispensation. Isiolo County Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo yesterday advised the police officers to fully acquaint themselves with reforms in order to conform to the new constitution.

He told the officers to be careful before shooting any one. he said there are guideline son when to use a firearm. "You must be careful about this because we have independent people outside the police forces to check on this," he said. The commissioner was addressing police officers at Isiolo Prison mess where the Administration Police officers were holding their party after 20 of them were promoted last week.

Musiambo said the new laws and the reforms were already in place and the police must be aware of what is happening around them to ensure they don't get into trouble. Release political Prisoners RPP through its executive director Othiambo Oyoko had raised concerns over the increase in the reckless use of weapons by police without putting into consideration the safety of the people they are suppose to protect.

Oyoko said the new acts is aimed at educating the ordinary Kenyans on the new laws governing the yet to be created National police service. He said the newly launched booklet explaining the police related legislation titled 'Your Guide to the National Police Service Act by Release political prisoners Trust, will help ordinary people to understand new laws and the benefits before its officially launched by the government.

Mr Oyoko called on the government to speed up the police reforms especially the National Police Service Commission Act and The Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act which will help address some of the injustices in the country. He said that minimum reforms have to be undertaken before the next elections so that the police is made independent from the control of the executives.

He accused the government of the slow pace in coming up with reforms that included appointment of the Inspector General and the two Deputies, Appointment of members of the National Police Service Commission and vetting of all top officers in the police from the rank of Senior Superintendent onwards. Mr Oyoko said that there was enough time to carry out these reforms before the next elections adding that RPP will submit to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority cases of extra-judicial executions once they start receiving cases this November.