Editor's Review

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has raised concerns over attacks and killings of police officers across the country. 

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has raised concerns over attacks and killings of police officers across the country. 

In a statement on Wednesday, September 23, IPOA Chairperson Duncan Ojwang said deaths of police officers in the line of duty undermine public safety and confidence in policing.  

“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is deeply concerned with the series of attacks and killings of members of the National Police Service (NPS) in different parts of the country. This is not good.

“The death of police officers in the line of duty is devastating, as it undermines public safety and legitimacy in policing,” read the statement in part. 

Ojwang sent condolences to the families of Chief Inspector Adan Isaak Somo and Constable Bethwel Kibet, who were killed during an ambush in Gotu, Isiolo County.

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File image of IPOA Chairperson Duncan Ojwang. 

He also condoled with the family of an Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) officer who was killed during an attack in Burat Ward, Isiolo, and Sergeant Gladys Nyagathe Kirika, who was found dead in Kagira, Kiambu County. 

“IPOA sends condolences to the family and friends of the following officers who lost their lives maintaining public order and safety in September; Chief Inspector Adan Isaak Somo and Constable Bethwel Kibet, attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, who were ambushed and killed by armed attackers at Gotu, Isiolo County; ASTU officer, who was shot and injured in an attack in Burat Ward, Isiolo County during an ambush by suspected livestock raiders; and Sergeant Gladys Nyagathe Kirika, who was found dead in Kagira, Kabete, Kiambu County,” said Ojwamg. 

The IPOA Chairperson further called on the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure that policing is supported by fit-for-purpose strategies and informed by evidence and good practice.

“Kenyans want an empowered police service that is safe and engages communities confidently, effectively, professionally, and efficiently,” he added. 

Somo and Kibet were among five people who died during a banditry attack in the Gotu area. 

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, in a statement, condemned the attack and called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to urgently strengthen security operations in Gotu and the surrounding areas. 

“I strongly condemn the latest bandit attack in the Gotu area that has claimed the lives of five people, including two police officers.

“It is deeply saddening and unacceptable that our people and security officers continue to lose their lives to armed banditry. These repeated attacks are causing fear, disrupting livelihoods, and undermining peace in our communities,” Guyo wrote.