Committees Launched to Tackle Police Corruption in Mt Kenya Counties
In a significant move to restore public trust, new oversight committees have been launched across several Mount Kenya counties to specifically tackle the issue of police corruption. The initiative, driven by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), aims to create a formal channel for citizens to report incidents of bribery and extortion by officers.
The committees, comprising religious leaders, civil society representatives, and business owners, will act as independent community watchdogs. Their mandate is to receive and document complaints from the public regarding police misconduct, particularly the solicitation of bribes at roadblocks and police stations. These reports will be escalated directly to the EACC and IPOA for investigation and action.
The launch signals a recognition that corruption within the police force erodes public confidence and facilitates other crimes. By empowering civilians to report without fear of reprisal, the program aims to increase accountability and foster a more professional service. The success of these committees in the Mount Kenya region is being watched closely, as it could provide a model for a nationwide rollout to combat entrenched police corruption.