IG Koome shoot to kill order stirs uproar
IG Koome shoot to kill order stirs uproar with the IPOA chairperson Anne Makori castigating the police
IG Koome shoot to kill order stirs uproar with the IPOA chairperson Anne Makori castigating the police.
The IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori criticized the IG’s “shoot to kill order” against alleged criminals, adding that law enforcement officials must uphold the law while carrying out their duties.
Makori described the IG’s statement as “unfortunate and dangerous”.
She warned police officers against using their weapons carelessly in the line of duty saying they will individually carry their cross.
“In all, the Authority wishes to remind police officers where criminal culpability has been established, that is after investigations, it is individuals who have been called to account: not the Service, not a Unit, and it is expected that there will be compliance with the Sixth Schedule, Part C on specific responsibilities of superior officers from issuing unlawful orders,” she said.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, on Friday, December 16, openly differed with Independent Policing Oversight Authority over the latter’s stand on firearm use by the police.
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IG, who spoke in Nairobi, urged his officers not to hesitate to use firearms if prompted while executing their mandate.
“Officers, we don’t want to hear you’ve been hurt, your hand cut, yet you have a gun. Count on the IG to stand with you.
“We have a committed CS. Do not be cowed by the busybodies who keep on calling for the arrest of police officers. Today we are mourning, and I don’t see them anywhere,” he declared
Makori however said that police have full support from both IPOA and the public, including when they make a decision that may result in the use of lethal force in justified circumstances.
Makori noted that the same supreme law that empowers the use of force, also calls, in equal measure, an account for some of its eventualities-the loss of life and serious injuries.
She pointed out that in 2011, Kenyans found it fit to have the IPOA Act with the objective to hold the Police accountable in the execution of their functions.
“Holding the Service accountable is not fault-finding or a witch hunt but it simply seeks to answer – what happened? Why did it happen? Was it avoidable? Can we prevent it in the future?” Makori said.
She stated that IPOA was established after a period of unchecked police excesses which had resulted to the loss of lives.
For the ten years the Authority has been in existence, Makori said that its impact on policing has been significant.
“IPOA has made policy recommendations that have reduced crime by embedding the police to live within communities; helped realize a functional Internal Affairs Unit; informed acquisition of police vehicles for rapid response and officer safety in operations; kitting including specialized gear to protect police officers and provision of AIES to Station Commanders,” she said.
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