Trans Nzoia County Governor Mr. George Natembeya has promised to support the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) activities with sole purpose of enhancing justice in the region.
Natembeya made the promise during a meeting with members of the authority who had paid a courtesy call to his office in Kitale on Monday. Commissioner Mrs. Praxides Tororey led the team in the early morning meeting.
During the sitting, the team highlighted what it termed as frequent complaints raised to the authority by members of public in the County.
These included allegations of extortion, harassment and assault by security officers, particularly during crackdowns against illegal activities such as illicit liquors. “The public has also complained about delayed response to IPOA referrals among other critical issues,” said Tororey.
“Hence, it is our request to closely work with the County Commissioner and Governor’s offices, through public meetings and barazas organised by you, for purposes of upscaling awareness activities among the public, especially on the core mandates of IPOA,” she added.
Tororey underscored the fact that one of the primary roles of the IPOA was to provide civilian oversight of the National Police Service (NPS).
In his response, Natembeya promised IPOA of his administration’s support. The County Governor promised to set aside of a piece of land that would be used for construction of the authority’s regional offices.
“Meanwhile, I ask the authority to station officers in the county to enable investigation into concerns raised by the residents,” said Natembeya.
By Maurice Aluda
