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Don't be intimidated by Ipoa 'busybodies' - IG Koome tells cops

Says officers should use their guns to protect themselves and the public

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by SHARON MWENDE

News16 December 2022 - 14:54

In Summary


  • Koome said the service will not cower to the Authority's criticism and will continue carrying out its mandate.
  • IG Koome claimed that the Ipoa is only investigating cases involving police errors and not officers killed in the line of duty.
IG of Police Japhet Koome at a past event.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has hit out at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) for criticising police work.

IG Koome claimed that the Ipoa is only investigating cases involving police errors and not officers killed in the line of duty.

He spoke on Friday during the memorial service of the fallen officers from the NPS and the Kenya Prison Services at the Training College in Embakasi.

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"Do not be intimidated by busybodies whose work is to recommend the arresting of officers and today I don't see them here," Koome said.

The IG reiterated that the Service will not be intimidated urging the officers to use their firearms within the confines of the law, to protect their lives and the public.

"That's why we urge our officers to be vigilant. We don't want to hear that you have been injured by criminals yet you have guns. Count on the IG to stand with you," he said.

Koome acknowledged that Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has "a very strong legal background", saying he will back the Service as they discharge their duties.

He gave an example of an incident at Mombasa Road where officers transporting money were shot with arrows saying they had a right to defend themselves.

"Officers were escorting money for the Central Bank. They found the road blocked and the rioters shot arrows at them. They had guns. What is expected of them? Is that firearm a pen that they would start writing?" he asked.

"We have trained the officers to use firearms. They will use their guns to protect themselves, citizens and their properties."

Koome said the service will not cower to the Authority's criticism and will continue carrying out its mandate.

He said at least 57 police and prison officers have died in the line of duty in 2022 alone.

The fallen heroes and heroines include 30 from the Kenya police, 19 from the Administration Police, four from the Kenya Prisons Service and three from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).


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