Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the immediate interdiction of police officers on duty when suspects die in police custody, pending investigations.

• This directive specifically targets the OB recorder, cell sentry, and duty officer.
• The measure follows the death of Gideon Makau at Kilungu Police Station and comes amid renewed scrutiny over deaths in police custody.
• Kanja also warned commanders and line managers that they would be held accountable for the conduct of officers under their supervision and for dismantling criminal gangs.

Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu, nominee for the chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), has pledged to uphold police oversight and defend citizen rights if approved.

• Dr. Oburu emphasized IPOA's need for independence to investigate police misconduct without interference.
• He proposed increased use of CCTV and body-worn cameras, alongside digitizing police records, to enhance transparency.
• The nominee highlighted IPOA's critical staffing shortage, operating with approximately 300 employees against an approved establishment of 1,300.
• Dr. Oburu also backed expanding IPOA's mandate to other state agencies and granting it arrest powers.

Dr. Duncan Ojwang, nominee for IPOA Chairperson, has pledged to uphold the authority's independence and "speak truth to power" if approved to lead the police oversight body.

• Dr. Ojwang emphasized the need for IPOA to remain independent in investigations while fostering cooperation with the National Police Service.
• He highlighted that IPOA currently operates with only about 300 employees, significantly less than its 1,300 staff establishment, impacting its capacity.
• Proposed measures to enhance transparency and accountability include the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations and the use of body cameras by officers.

The National Police Service (NPS) has established new procedures for handling deaths in police custody, mandating the immediate interdiction of key officers involved. This directive follows recent incidents and aims to enhance accountability.

• Key officers, including the Occurrence Book recorder, cell sentry, and duty officer, will be interdicted pending investigations.
• The NPS stated that investigations will be immediate, thorough, and impartial.
• This clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny, including the case of Gedion Makau, who reportedly died at Kilungu Police Station on August 4.