IPOA vice chair Jedidah Nyotai in Garissa on October 6. The organisation has opened an office in Garissa. [Photo: capitalfm.co.ke]
The Independent Police Oversight Authority has opened a regional office in Garissa town to serve serve counties; Garissa, Tana River, Mandera, Wajir Kitui, Marsabit and Isiolo.
The body has already started investigating six of 33 cases in the region so far.IPOA CEO Joel Mabongo said on Thursday that 27 cases fell outside their mandate.He expressed regrets that majority of those cases are from men. Women seemed to have shied away because of cultural restrictions."Majority of the cases are clearly outside our mandate, but that does not stop us from reffering them to the relevant authorities," Mabongo said on Thursdays when he launched public education and awareness so that citizens understand its mandate."We conduct impartial and independent investigations and monitoring of National Police Service to prevent impunity and enhance professionalism in the public interest," he added.He urged the North Eastern residents to take advantage of the office to improve the police service and recommend officers for punishments or rewards.