Opposition leaders have demanded the formation of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate police brutality witnessed during the 2024 Gen Z protests and in Narok on Monday, April 28.
In a statement dated Tuesday, April 29, the opposition leaders, including former DP Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, expressed concern over the independence of IPOA and the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
According to the leaders who met with former Interior CS Fred Matang'i, the government had influence over the two independent institutions, therefore, they cannot be trusted to conduct the investigations.
The opposition leaders made the remarks after the BBC did an exposé that revealed that a KDF officer was involved in the June 25 shootouts.
"Independent institutions tasked with holding our security agencies, particularly the IPOA and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), have abdicated their constitutional mandates and now operate at the behest of the regime, actively participating in cover-ups of human rights violations and gross violations of the constitution.
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"Kenyans have lost complete trust in the accountability mechanisms and therefore call for an investigative commission that includes state and non-state actors to hold the rogue officers accountable," read the statement in part.
Narok Killings
Following the killing of five people by the police, the opposition leaders demanded that the police respect the rule of law and act independently in protecting the lives of Kenyans.
The leaders also raised concerns over the cases where security agencies were involved in land disputes.
"We remind the National Police Service and all national security agencies: your allegiance is to the people of Kenya, not to a political regime," read the statement in part.
"Your duty is to protect the lives, property, and dignity of Kenyans, not to serve as instruments of oppression. It is disheartening to witness that individuals in our security forces continue to shed the innocent blood of Kenyans."
IEBC
Meanwhile, the leaders have called for consultations before President William Ruto appoints the next IEBC chair.
"A failure to set up a Commission that inspires the confidence of Kenyans and all concerned parties may set the context for rigged elections in 2027, which Kenyans shall not accept," read the statement in part.
"We will not stand idly by as Kenya is dragged into darkness. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the Constitution, protecting the rights of every Kenyan, and resisting tyranny in all its forms."
