Ipoa chairperson Issac Hassan. /FILEThe Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched investigations into an alleged assault against a minor by officers at Narosusura police station in Narok South subcounty.
A statement issued Friday said the minor was arrested and detained at the station on suspicion of a petty offence.
The minor is currently receiving treatment at Narok County Referral Hospital following the alleged assault.
“In line with its mandate to ensure accountability and the observance of human rights in policing, Ipoa is investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged arrest and subsequent injury of the minor,” Ipoa said in a statement.
The authority said the investigations will guide the next course of action, and if police involvement is established, make necessary recommendations.
“The authority will determine the extent of police involvement and, where necessary, make appropriate recommendations for redress.”
Ipoa reaffirmed its commitment to conducting impartial investigations to uphold accountability within the police service and ensure that cases of alleged misconduct are addressed in line with the constitution.
“The authority is committed to conducting this and other investigations impartially as it fulfils its mandate of holding the police accountable and advancing the objectives of Article 244 of the constitution,” the statement concluded.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is the body mandated to investigate complaints of police misconduct, injuries and deaths caused by police action.
It also carries out inspections of police premises, monitors operations and issues recommendations for disciplinary or legal action if investigations show proof of culpability on the side of the police.
Ipoa's role includes investigating complaints from the public or on its own initiative, looking into deaths and injuries linked to police conduct and ensuring humane treatment of suspects in detention facilities.
Ipoa also monitors police operations that affect the public to promote professionalism and reduce impunity.
Additionally, the authority makes recommendations to relevant agencies for prosecution, compensation or disciplinary action and tracks responses to its findings.
It also monitors and audits investigations by the Internal Affairs Unit of the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure accountability.
Ipoa also works to promote public trust and confidence in the NPS through transparency in its operations.
It achieves this by publishing reports on its activities, findings and recommendations, ensuring the public remains informed about its efforts to hold police officers accountable and enhance professionalism within the service.
The ongoing investigation highlights Ipoa’s continued efforts to promote transparency, justice and respect for human rights in Kenya’s law enforcement system.
Through such actions, the oversight body reinforces its mission to build public confidence and strengthen professionalism within the NPS.
