NAIROBI — The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have agreed to deepen their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting police misconduct, aiming to boost accountability across law enforcement in Kenya.
During a meeting held Monday in the North Eastern region, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Bonny Okemwa met with IPOA Commissioner Micah Onyiego and Regional Head Tim Nzomu. The officials reaffirmed their agencies’ shared commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring justice in cases of police abuse.
“This partnership is critical. Law enforcement must be held to account while respecting the rule of law,” Okemwa said.
The agencies resolved to increase coordination in investigations and court proceedings, and to expand their capacity through joint training sessions. These trainings will target prosecutors and investigators assigned to police-related cases.
The meeting also addressed alternative legal tools, including plea agreements and diversion programs, as part of an effort to manage select cases outside of lengthy trials especially where victims can be compensated or rehabilitative justice applied.
The ongoing cooperation between IPOA and ODPP has already led to over 50 convictions involving unlawful killings and gross misconduct by police officers, according to recent figures cited in the meeting.
IPOA investigates allegations against police officers and submits case files to the ODPP, which determines whether charges should be filed in court. This system of independent review, both agencies stated, remains vital for upholding credibility in the justice process.
The renewed alliance comes amid public concern over repeated reports of police abuse during protests and in routine enforcement operations. Both IPOA and ODPP acknowledged the need for swift, transparent, and effective investigations to ensure justice for victims and consequences for offenders.
The agencies plan to roll out their next phase of collaboration in regions with high case backlogs, focusing on high-risk areas prone to unlawful force or arbitrary arrests.
