The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has strongly condemned an incident in which police officers were assaulted, leaving one seriously injured by members of the public in Cheptulu, Tiriki East Sub-County, Vihiga County.
The incident happened when officers from Shaviringa Police Post were conducting a patrol along the Muhudu-Shaviringa Road, during which they encountered individuals suspected of engaging in unlawful activity.
The suspects allegedly raised an alarm that prompted a group of locals to intervene violently, attacking the officers and leaving one with serious injuries.
The injured officer is receiving medical attention, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In a statement on Thursday, IPOA Chairman Issack Hassan termed the attack as “wholly unacceptable,” stressing that such acts of mob justice undermine the rule of law and public order.
The authority reiterated that Kenya has a functional police service and an independent judiciary through which grievances, including police misconduct, can be lawfully addressed.
‘’It is wholly unacceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands. Such actions undermine the rule of law, promote lawlessness, and erode the foundations of public order and security," Issack stated.
Issack regretted that members of the public resort to the very forms of violence and lawlessness that they condemn in police officers.
'’Such conduct defeats the spirit and intent of ongoing police reforms and risks reversing the progress made in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing,” he said.
The Authority urged citizens to exercise restraint and use established oversight mechanisms, such as IPOA, to report any cases of police abuse.
Issack further emphasised its continued commitment to impartial, fair, and apolitical investigations.
