MPs Push for Sweeping Police Reforms to Restore Public Trust

 Members of Parliament have intensified calls for comprehensive reforms within the National Police Service, citing systemic weaknesses that continue to erode public confidence.

The concerns were raised during a meeting in Mombasa between the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) board.

Committee chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo noted that while some challenges require legislative intervention, many stem from policy and administrative failures. He emphasized the need to clearly identify legal gaps necessary to strengthen accountability, particularly among senior officers.

Lari MP Mburu Kahangara cautioned against proposals to exempt spontaneous demonstrations from prior police notification, warning such provisions could be exploited and lead to disorder.

Suna West MP Peter Masara urged authorities to go beyond legal reforms and confront deeper structural and cultural issues within the police service. He criticized outdated training systems and questioned the continued presence of officers deemed unfit for service. Masara also highlighted cases of excessive force, raising concerns over incidents where unarmed civilians are shot multiple times.

Committee vice-chairperson Dido Raso pointed to the entrenched “blue code of silence,” where officers protect colleagues accused of wrongdoing. He stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and due process for offenders within the service.

In response, IPOA Commissioner Kenwilliam Nyakomitah attributed police misconduct to poor training, weak command structures, and insufficient accountability during operations. He noted that unclear deployment frameworks often result in confusion and a lack of responsibility on the ground.

Fellow Commissioner Annette Mudola Mbogo emphasized the need for reforms that address both legal and institutional gaps, including officer welfare. She highlighted proposals to integrate oversight mechanisms into police training and improve mental health support and working conditions. According to her, implementation of IPOA recommendations currently stands at 45.2 percent.

On the issue of spontaneous protests, Mbogo acknowledged their recognition under international frameworks but stressed the need for clear legal safeguards to prevent abuse.

IPOA Deputy Director of Legal Services Festus Kinoti revealed that the “blue code of silence” continues to hinder investigations, with some cases involving tampering of evidence. He proposed introducing the principle of command responsibility to hold senior officers criminally liable for failing to prevent or act on misconduct.

Sotik MP Julius Sigei also raised concerns about the slow adoption of modern policing technologies, including body cameras and CCTV systems, citing resistance within the service.

Lawmakers further called for expanded oversight of auxiliary security units and underscored the urgency of reforms aimed at promoting professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights within the police force.