By Abdullahi Jamaa | Wajir Today | Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Civil society organisations in Wajir County have called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish a fully fledged office, saying a stronger local presence is needed to improve relations between police and the public and address longstanding concerns over misconduct.
The appeal was made during a stakeholder engagement meeting in Wajir town, where IPOA Commissioner Dr. Micah Onyiego, accompanied by Northeastern Regional Coordinator Michael Kimatu, met representatives of local organizations.
Participants said while relations between police and residents have shown some improvement in recent years, serious challenges persist in rural areas, where oversight remains limited.
“We really need the presence of IPOA in Wajir, not a satellite office but a fully-fledged one,” said civil society chairperson Fatuma Yussuf. “The relationship between police and the public has improved, but there are still many problems, especially in rural areas.”
Civil society groups raised concerns over alleged abuse of power by some officers, particularly those stationed in remote locations. They cited claims of impunity, corruption and intimidation, which they said undermine public trust and hinder accountability efforts.
Abdi Billow, a paralegal and human rights activist, told the meeting that activists face increasing pressure when attempting to document or report abuses.
“The police in Wajir often work for politicians or the highest bidder,” he said. “We cannot effectively carry out our work as human rights defenders because of intimidation.”
Another key concern raised was the prolonged deployment of officers in a single station, which participants said contributes to entrenched malpractice.
Dr. Adan Yunis, the Northeastern Regional Coordinator of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), called for stricter enforcement of transfer policies.
“We have a problem with police transfers. Officers should not stay in one station for more than three years,” he said, adding that some officers operate outside their designated areas without clear authorisation.
In response, Onyiego acknowledged the concerns and said IPOA is working to expand its presence across the country to improve accessibility and responsiveness.
“We have plans to establish offices in all counties,” he said. “We recently opened one in Mandera and already have an office in Garissa. Wajir is part of our expansion plans, and we will move to set up an office here.”
He noted that Wajir’s vast geographical size and administrative complexity with 15 sub-counties, present unique policing and oversight challenges that require closer engagement.
Onyiego pledged that IPOA would investigate allegations of misconduct and work closely with local stakeholders to strengthen accountability mechanisms.
“IPOA will take action on the issues raised and work with you to improve the relationship between the police and the public,” he said.
The meeting marked a renewed push by local actors to bring oversight services closer to communities, amid growing calls for transparency and reform in policing across Kenya’s northeastern region.
