Issack Ahmed Hassan appointed IPOA chairman

By Peter Ochieng

There is a new Sherrif in town at the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA). Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Issack Ahmed Hassan is the new IPOA chair.

He was appointed by President William Ruto, after a successful vetting process.

He succeeds Ann Makori, whose term of service has come to an end. Hassan left office as IEBC chairman after the 2013 general elections, where he declared Uhuru Kenyatta winner of the presidential contest.

The presidential results were contested at the Supreme Court, before judges, led by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga ruled that Kenyatta was validly elected Kenya’s fourth President.

Seven other individuals have been appointed to serve as commissioners of IPOA. They are Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, Micah Onyiego Nyakego, Boniface Kipkemoi Samati, Annette Mbogoh, John Muchiri Nyaga, Kenwilliams Nyakomitah and Jackline Lukalo Mwenesi.

IPOA was established through an Act of Parliament published in November 2011 to provide for civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya.

Article 244 of the constitution requires the police to strive for the highest levels of discipline and professionalism, promote and practice, transparency and accountability in execution of their duties.

Meanwhile, former Isiolo Women Representative Rehema Jaldesa has been appointed the chairperson, National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC).

Her appointment by President William Ruto, was confirmed through a gazette notice dated December 5, the President. She succeeds Dr Joyce Mutinda whose tenure of service has lapsed.

The National Gender and Equality Commission Established under the NGEC Act, 2011 focuses on special interest groups, which include women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), children, the older members of society, minorities and marginalised groups.

President Ruto also appointed Charles Orinda Dulo as chairperson of the Commission on Administrative Justice, popularly known as the Ombudsman.

Former Starehe MP Charles Njagua Kanyi (Jaguar) and Dorothy Kimengech will serve as members of the Ombudsman office.