The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has issued a clarification on a previous statement where it said it lacks the capacity to investigate abduction cases witnessed in the country.
In an address on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, IPOA Chairman Ahmed Isaac Hassan highlighted that despite public suspicions regarding police involvement in these abductions, the Inspector General of Police has denied any such involvement, which has hindered the Authority from initiating formal investigations.
Hassan raised concerns about the abductions being carried out by individuals using fake number plates and hoods, stating that this is an issue that the police must investigate themselves.
In a statement released on January 30, 2025, he assured the public that the Authority has not cleared the police of any responsibility in these cases.
“On 28th January 2025, the IPOA Board addressed the media on critical matters concerning the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and its mandate. Following extensive media coverage, misconceptions have arisen regarding IPOA’s stance on police involvement in abductions. Let it be clear that IPOA has not exonerated the police from culpability in these cases,” the statement reads.
Challenges faced
Hassan emphasized that despite the challenges faced in investigating reported abductions, these investigations remain a top priority.
The Authority cited witness intimidation, lack of cooperation, and police officers in civilian attire, camouflaged and using vehicles with obscured number plates during the Gen-Z demonstrations as some of the key challenges encountered during investigations.
“Besides the aforesaid trends and patterns report, investigations into these abductions remain a top priority of IPOA and are progressing through various stages,” IPOA stated.
According to IPOA’s Abduction Trends Analysis Report, completed in November 2024, the Authority has launched investigations into 17 incidents of alleged abductions.
The report revealed a disturbing pattern of abductions occurring in broad daylight, with perpetrators showing little concern for CCTV surveillance or potential police intervention. It also detailed the ordeals that victims experience while detained.
“The victims reported torture, lengthy detention, personal threats to injury and abduction by at least three people. Further, victims reported that the persons who arrested them were not in police uniform, had covered their faces and camouflaged their vehicles. They were also reportedly detained deplorably, given transport upon release and warned not to discuss their detention or face further consequences,” the statement read in part.
Out of the 17 cases currently under investigation, nine victims resurfaced within 24 hours of their abduction but chose not to pursue the matter further with IPOA.
Six others were found after periods ranging from one to 32 days, while one victim was reported dead and another remains missing.
Apology
In its apology, the Authority pledged to make recommendations based on the findings of its investigations and reiterated its commitment to respecting human rights.
“IPOA gravely regrets any misinterpretation created by the press briefing and reiterates its independence and commitment to police oversight to ensure respect for the human rights of all Kenyans in the context of law and order. IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair,” IPOA said.
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