By Daniel Otieno, Nairobi
President William Ruto has nominated former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Issack Hassan to head the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
This comes as part of a series of key public service appointments that the President made on November 12, awaiting parliamentary approval.
Issack Hassan, who previously served as the inaugural chair of the IEBC from 2011 to 2017, is now set to lead IPOA, a body tasked with ensuring accountability within Kenya’s police service.
IPOA is mandated to inspect police facilities, including detention centers, to ensure they adhere to constitutional standards, and to monitor the treatment of suspects and detainees.
IPOA was established through an Act of Parliament to provide for civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya. Article 244 of the constitution requires the police to strive for the highest levels of discipline and professionalism, promote and practice, transparency and accountability in execution of their duties.
Hassan’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by the President to bring experienced leadership to a body that plays a crucial role in upholding human rights and ensuring the integrity of policing in Kenya.
As an accomplished legal professional, Hassan has over thirty years of experience as an advocate at the High Court. He has also served as a consultant in various countries, including Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Namibia, and Afghanistan.
He holds a law degree from the University of Nairobi, a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and a diploma in Contemporary Public Administration Management from the Galilee International Management Institute in Israel.
In his new role, Hassan will work alongside other nominees appointed to the IPOA Board. These include Ms. Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, Dr. Micah Onyiego Nyakego, Mr. Boniface Kipkemoi Samati, Dr. Annette Mbogo, Hon. John Muchiri Nyaga, Mr. Kenwilliams Nyakomitah, and Ms. Jackline Lukalo Mwenesi. Their names, along with Hassan’s, have been forwarded to the 13th Parliament for debate and approval.
During his tenure at the IEBC, Hassan played a pivotal role in overseeing the 2013 and 2017 general elections, periods marked by intense political tensions.
He handed over the reins of the commission to Wafula Chebukati, who oversaw the controversial 2017 election that saw President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party secure a victory amidst opposition protests.
In addition to Hassan’s appointment, President Ruto made several other notable public service appointments, as confirmed by Head of Public Service Felix Kosgey.
Among the appointees are Charles Orinda Dulo, nominated for the Commission on Administrative Justice; Sammy Chepkwony, for the Salary and Remuneration Commission; Rehema Dida Jaldesa, for the National Gender and Equality Commission; and Gerald Nyaoma Arita, for the Central Bank of Kenya.
These appointments are part of the President’s ongoing efforts to streamline public service and ensure that key institutions remain effective and responsive to the needs of the public.
As these appointments await approval by Parliament, all eyes will be on the 13th Parliament to determine the final composition of the boards and commissions that will shape Kenya’s governance in the coming years.
