MPs approve Issack Hassan’s nomination as IPOA chairman

Nov 27, 2024 - 15:01

By Peter Ochieng

Members of Parliament (MPs) on Wednesday approved eight nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Board, of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

This follows the tabling of a report by the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, upon completion of the vetting of the eight persons, nominated for the positions in accordance with the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act of 2011.

Issack Hassan, former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was nominated to serve as IPOA chairman.

Ann Mwangi, Micah Nyakiego, Boniface Samati, Annette Mbogo, John Nyaga, Ken Williams Nyakomitah and Jackline Mwenesi were nominated for positions of board Members.

Narok West MP and Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo while tabling the report in the House stated:

“After burning the midnight oil carefully and thoroughly accessing the qualifications and suitability of the nominees, the Committee was overwhelmingly impressed by the experience and intellect of all the eight candidates.”

He informed the House that the Committee was satisfied with the suitability, skill, experience and more importantly integrity of the nominees having looked at the testimonials given by government agencies.

“Having looked at this, I have no doubt that the eight are best suited to serve at IPOA which is the civilian oversight body to ensure there is accountability in our Police service,” he stated.

South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro who doubles up as Deputy Minority Whip applauded the regional and gender balance criteria used in the selection of the nominees, calling on the authority to step up its mandate of ensuring there is effective oversight of police work.

“We need for IPOA to not only look at the mistakes of the Police, but also to check on the welfare of our uniformed men” he declared.

The House unanimously agreed to approve the nominees, paving way for the eight persons to assume office in the coming days.