IPOA condemns mob attack on police officer in Vihiga
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has strongly condemned an incident in which a police officer was attacked and seriously injured by members of the public in Cheptulu, Tiriki East Sub-County, Vihiga County.
In an official letter dated May 22, 2025, IPOA confirmed that the officer was assaulted while on duty during a patrol conducted by officers from Shaviringa Police Post along the Muhudu-Shaviringa Road.
In addition, IPOA stated that initial reports indicated the officers had confronted individuals they found suspicious, who then raised an alarm, prompting a mob attack that left one officer seriously injured.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) strongly condemns the reported incident in which a police officer on duty was attacked and seriously injured this afternoon by members of the public in Cheptulu, Tiriki East Sub-County, Vihiga County,” the IPOA’s statement reads in part.
“According to initial reports, officers from Shaviringa Police Post, while on patrol along the Muhudu-Shaviringa Road, encountered individuals they deemed suspicious. In the course of this engagement, the suspects reportedly raised an alarm, prompting members of the public to launch an attack that resulted in serious injuries to one of the officers.”
IPOA on mob justice
The oversight authority further emphasised that with established law enforcement and judicial systems in place, taking the law into one’s own hands was unacceptable, noting that such actions threatened the rule of law and public order.
“The Authority wishes to reiterate that, with a functioning National Police Service and an independent Judiciary in place, it is wholly unacceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands. Such actions undermine the rule of law, promote lawlessness, and erode the foundations of public order and security,” the IPOA’s statement reads in part.
Furthermore, IPOA reaffirmed its commitment to police accountability by investigating misconduct and recommending prosecutions that resulted in convictions, while urging the public to report any wrongdoing through proper legal channels.
“IPOA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to holding police officers accountable by investigating misconduct and successfully recommending prosecutions that have led to convictions. This underscores the existence of lawful, credible avenues through which members of the public can seek redress in cases of police misconduct,” the IPOA’s statement reads in part.
The oversight authority also urged the public to remain calm and report police misconduct to IPOA or other oversight bodies, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“It is, therefore, deeply regrettable when members of the public resort to the very forms of violence and lawlessness they condemn in police officers. Such conduct defeats the spirit and intent of ongoing police reforms and risks reversing the progress made in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing,” IPOA stated.
“The Authority urges members of the public to continue exercising restraint and to report any incidents of police misconduct to IPOA or other relevant oversight bodies. IPOA remains committed to its mandate of ensuring accountability within the National Police Service and promoting respect for the rule of law.”
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