The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has strongly condemned the reported incident in which a police officer on duty was attacked and seriously injured on Thursday, May 22 afternoon by members of the public in Cheptulu, Tiriki East Sub-County, Vihiga County.

Reports indicate that officers from Shaviringa Police Post were on their routine patrol along the Muhudu-Shaviringa Road when they encountered “suspicious” individuals.

As the officers were engaging with the “suspicious” individuals, the would later raise alarm, prompting members of the public to launch an attack that resulted in serious injuries to one of the officers.

“The Authority wishes to reiterate that, with a functioning National Police Service and an independent Judiciary in place, it is wholly unacceptable for individuals to take the law. into their own hands,” IPOA Chairperson Isack Hassan says in a statement. “Such actions undermine the rule of law, promote lawlessness, and erode the foundations of public order and security.”

The Authority says it is committed to holding police officers accountable by investigating misconduct and successfully recommending prosecutions that have led to convictions. “This underscores the existence of lawful, credible avenues through which members of the public can seek redress in cases of police misconduct.”

The action of the locals, IPOA adds, defeats the spirit and intent of ongoing police reforms and risks reversing the progress made in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing.

“The Authority urges members of the public to continue exercising restraint and to report any incidents of police misconduct to IPOA or other relevant oversight bodies. IPOA remains committed to its mandate of ensuring accountability within the National Police Service and promoting respect for the rule of law. Across its work IPOA commits to remain independent, impartial, fair and apolitical in all
its investigations.”