IPOA: Why we want Sh4bn forensic lab out of DCI hands
A silent but vicious battle is brewing between the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the Sh4 billion forensic laboratory.
The authority wants the lab off the hands of the DCI saying it’s affecting their investigations, especially in cases where police officers are involved.
Dr Walter Ogon, an IPOA Commissioner, told the National Assembly Constitutional Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC) that they want the lab to be a stand-alone institution so that it can serve all agencies without any interference from the officers.
“The forensic lab should be a stand-alone institution, it should not be under DCI, police or IPOA so that it can serve all people without any interference with the outcome of investigation,” Dr Oron told the committee.
Dr Oron who appeared before the Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba-led committee together with IPOA CEO Elema Halake addressed concerns about its effectiveness in overseeing the National Police Service Commission said the lab has excellent facilities that should be serving other agencies too that need to conduct investigations.
“This is an excellent facility with expensive equipment, however our proposal would be that it should be a stand-alone facility,” Dr Oron said.
He told the committee that they had a similar proposal to the David Maraga Taskforce and stressed that the lab would operate independently to maintain its credibility.
Read: IPOA: 50 were killed, 19 abducted during recent protests
Borabu MP Patrick Osero raised the question on how IPOA is operating with the investigations using the same lab manned by the officers.
“How do you investigate an officer using the same lab they are manning, do you expect any results? This is a zero sum game,” Mr Osero said.
Launched by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in June 2022, the facility has different sections, including fingerprints, ballistics, cybercrime, document examination, economic crimes, toxicology, biological and chemistry sections.
The facility is hosting 10 various laboratories which help investigators on dealing with various crimes such as rape, defilement, kidnappings, murder, cyber fraud, illicit arms among other sophisticated crimes.
The facility also has a forensic chemistry lab which conducts microscopy of gun-shot powder residue on clothes and human skin to determine the holder of the firearm used in crime.
During the Thursday meeting, the authority told the lawmakers that among the challenges they are facing in executing their mandate is the non-cooperation by the National Police Service.
The authority told the committee that there is undue delay effecting arrest warrants and summons to suspect police officers and failure to produce required documents and cover-up of suspect police officers by their colleagues.
Read: Dr Johansen Oduor: Why I love spending time with the dead
It also cited difficulty in accessing forensic services thereby causing delay in in their investigations
The authority further told MPs that parallel investigations were carried out with DCI with some cases ending up in court but with weak evidence this despite IPOA having gathered more evidence that would have nailed more suspects.
Among the functions of the authority as outlined in Section Six of IPOA Act include investigating any complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offences committed by any member of the service, ensuring independent oversight in handling of complaints by the service, conducting inspections of police premises and monitoring policing operations affecting members of the public.
Last month, another IPOA Commissioner Joseph Waiganjo complained that police are frustrating their efforts in bringing to book officers accused of killing protesters.
Mr Waiganjo accused the police of refusal to avail deployment schedules, arms registers, records of their usage and ignoring summonses.
“In the life of Ipoa, we have not seen the levels of non-cooperation from senior commanders that we are seeing now. It is not just lack of cooperation from police senior command, it is also from some government institutions,” Mr Waiganjo said.
Read: Is it time to rethink the office of chief government pathologist?
The frosty relationship between the authority and NPS was also cited as among other reasons that led to the collapse of the outstanding police service awards.
Launched in 2014, the program was meant to recognize police officers who perform their duties in an exemplary manner.
It was a motivation program aimed at encouraging professionalism in the service.
However, apart from budgetary constraints that led to the halting of the program, the authority told MPs that there was also non-cooperation by the National Police Service
According to the CEO, during implementation of the program, there was a delayed return of nomination forms by the police, sometimes they would return blank forms, low and late response and self-nomination by the officers.
In addition, the authority told the committee that there was also lobbying by the officers to be awarded, discriminated against in the list of officers awarded during promotions.
smundu@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.