President William Ruto has underscored the government’s commitment to stop extra-judicial killings in the country.
He directed the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to furnish the Ministry of Interior and Coordination with a roadmap on how to deal conclusively with the vice.
“You are uniquely qualified to help us define a mechanism to stop this practice,” he said.
The President was speaking on Monday, October 31, 2022, at State House, Nairobi, when he met IPOA to discuss their mandate.
The meeting comes at a time there is an ongoing probe against members of the disbanded Special Service Unit (SSU) over their involvement in mysterious deaths and unresolved murders that rocked the country in the last few years.
Rule of law
SSU operated under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). It was disbanded a few weeks ago, on orders from the Head of State.
Commenting on the move, Ruto linked the unit to extrajudicial killings.
“My government is taking strong measures to facilitate the enhancement of capacities along the entire security chain. I have directed that immediate measures be undertaken to disband the Special Services Unit in the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and with urgency, investigations must commence so that those found culpable are held to account. There must also be robust mechanisms throughout the police service to maintain high professional standards, scrupulous adherence to the rule of law, accountability for actions and decisions and operational transparency,” he said during Mashujaa Day celebrations.
IPOA has already said it is investigating several police officers they believe are linked to mysterious discoveries of bodies in River Yala as well as Tana River.
“No suspected police-committed death will go without investigation. Ipoa notes the strong stand by President Ruto against extrajudicial killings. The Board is in full alignment with the government stand,” IPOA chairman Ann Makori told Journalists.
