Senator Cherarkey Puts IPOA, Police on the Spot Over Extrajudicial Killings & Rising Criminal Gangs

Senator Cherarkey Puts IPOA, Police on the Spot Over Extrajudicial Killings & Rising Criminal Gangs

Nairobi, Kenya – Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has placed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service under sharp scrutiny, demanding accountability over alleged extrajudicial killings and the growing threat of organised criminal gangs across the country.

Speaking during a Senate sitting on Wednesday, February 19, Cherargei sought statements from the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the status of investigations into police misconduct. He questioned the number of cases IPOA is currently handling, the length of time taken to conclude them, and the reasons behind persistent delays.

“Many incidents of police brutality and unlawful killings have been reported, yet justice remains elusive. We must know how many cases IPOA is handling, how long they have taken, and why delays persist,” Cherargei stated.

Reference to Past Incidents

The Senator cited several incidents that have raised public alarm, including deaths in police custody, fatalities during enforcement operations, and the discovery of bodies in River Yala. Between 2021 and early 2022, more than 30 unidentified bodies were recovered from the river in Siaya County, many showing signs of torture such as bound hands, polythene bags over heads, or being sealed in weighted gunny sacks.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International Kenya, called for urgent investigations into the origin of the bodies and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Cherargei noted that despite public outcry, progress reports remain scant.

He also referenced the case of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under disputed circumstances. While police claimed his death was a suicide, the incident sparked widespread concern over accountability in custodial deaths.

Call for Transparency

Cherargei urged IPOA and the police to provide clear updates on the progress of investigations and to ensure that officers under investigation do not interfere with due process.

“Families of victims must be kept informed about the status of cases. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.

Rising Criminal Gangs

Beyond police misconduct, Cherargei raised alarm over the growth of organised criminal gangs in several counties. He cited findings from the government’s Jukwaa la Usalama report, which identified multiple regions affected by gang activity.

“The rise of organised gangs is a serious national security threat. We must understand how these gangs acquire firearms and what is being done to dismantle them,” Cherargei stated.

He called for enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger prosecution processes, and intensified preventive measures to address both police misconduct and organised crime.

Socio-Economic Factors

The Senator also highlighted the importance of tackling underlying socio-economic issues such as youth unemployment and poverty, which he said fuel the growth of criminal gangs.

“We cannot win the fight against organised crime without addressing the root causes. Security reforms must go hand in hand with socio-economic empowerment,” he added.

Conclusion

Cherargei’s remarks underscore growing concerns over police accountability and the rise of organised crime in Kenya. As IPOA and the police face mounting pressure to deliver justice and restore public trust, the Senate debate signals renewed urgency for reforms that balance law enforcement with respect for human rights.

The committee is expected to provide a detailed response in the coming weeks, setting the stage for further scrutiny of Kenya’s policing and security strategies.

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Senator Cherarkey Puts IPOA, Police on the Spot Over Extrajudicial Killings & Rising Criminal Gangs