By Grace Gilo
In an effort to enhance police accountability and uphold human rights, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration.
The North Eastern Regional Coordinator, SADPP Bonny Okemwa, held a consultative meeting with senior IPOA officials who visited him for a courtesy call.
The meeting focused on the importance of collaboration, coordination and cooperation between the two independent agencies.
Okemwa stressed the necessity of conducting effective investigations into cases of police excesses to enhance police accountability in the country.
He, along with the IPOA Commissioner, Dr. Micah Onyiego and Northern Eastern regional head Tim Nzomu, among others, agreed to strengthen the existing partnership between the two agencies.
They also highlighted the need for regular joint training to equip both prosecutors and investigators with the necessary skills to handle police-related cases.
“Law enforcement agencies must uphold fundamental human rights while discharging their mandates,” Okemwa emphasized.
The ODPP and IPOA have a crucial role in ensuring justice and accountability, with the ODPP independently assessing investigation files submitted by IPOA and determining whether to prosecute.
The discussion also highlighted successful instances of collaboration between the agencies, particularly cases forwarded for prosecution.
Both parties concurred that diversion or plea bargain agreements could serve as effective strategies for handling certain cases.
Furthermore, they discussed plans to open satellite IPOA offices in Mandera and Wajir to expedite investigations in the region.
This partnership has yielded results, with over 50 convictions secured in courts, including landmark rulings on unlawful killings and serious violations by police officers.
“The agencies have pledged to strengthen their collaboration, ensuring that cases involving police misconduct are properly prosecuted,” stated the ODPP.
The ODPP is a vital part of the criminal justice chain, independently assessing investigation files from IPOA to determine if there is sufficient evidence for prosecution.
This collaborative framework ensures that cases involving police misconduct are properly prosecuted, contributing to the overarching goals of justice and accountability.