The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Anne Makori has condemned the attack of police officers at Banane area, Liboi Sub County in Garissa County on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
The attack through an improvised explosive device (IED) left one officer injured and several others unhurt.
“IPOA sends a message of solidarity to the Inspector General of Police and the entire Service as they continue to dispense services aimed at securing the country from internal threats to the security and wellbeing of all Kenyans. As the Authority empathizes with the officers who were injured in the attack and wishes them full restoration of health, it also hopes that the Inspector General of Police and the police leadership will decisively deal with the criminal act committed at Banane,” Makori stated.
“Arising from monitoring similar occurrences in the past, IPOA urges the National Police Service to fully implement all the recommendations the Authority has made over time.”
IPOA on capacity building
The IPOA chairperson called for nationwide implementation and capacity building of the Community Policing Committees to include the members of the public as first-line intelligence-gathering agents for quick and decisive crime management.
“IPOA further cautions against attacks on police officers on duty as this is equivalent to challenging Kenya’s sovereignty. Such criminal acts call for firm but lawful management by the police to ensure restoration of order and sustainable peace countrywide,” Makori added.
According to a police report, the attack took place as they were heading to Hargadera to pick up off-duty officers. The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle they were travelling in was badly damaged during the attack.
“The vehicle was hit by an IED at Banane Area which is approximately two kilometres from Damajale location which is 80 kilometres from the station,” the report read in part.
The attack is feared to have been orchestrated by Al Shabaab terrorists.
