Narc Kenya party leader and Azimio co-principal Martha Karua has hit out at the IPOA over what she termed as failing to condemn excess use of force by police.
This comes barely a day after Independent Policing and Oversight Authority released a statement saying it had launched a probe into police conduct during anti-government protests.
Karua faulted IPOA for failing to condemn the police for using excessive force when quelling the protests, as well as the use of ununiformed police during demonstrations even as they begin the probe.
“If you cannot outrightly condemn the use of manifestly excessive force by the police and the use of ununiformed armed police in demonstrations pending investigations then it is a case of too little too late,” Karua said.
IPOA on Saturday reassured Kenyans that it is conducting investigations on police officers' use of force during protests.
This is after some people were shot dead and over 30 others injured during anti-government protests held on July 19, 2023.
The reported cases included deaths from gunshots, injuries to civilians and police, assault of journalists and arrests of civilians.
IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori said the Authority is analysing the events that may have obstructed police in executing its core function of protecting life and property.
"Our investigations will take into account the fundamental rights and freedoms of all the individuals concerned, including members of the Police Service," Makori said.
She also condemned the acts of lawlessness by some members of the public adding that the acts sadly culminated in the loss of property and injuries to a number of police officers.
