This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Published on September 29, 2019, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) is embroiled in a bitter power struggle between its chair, Anne Makori, and six board members.
The conflict began when Makori reinstated Maina Njoroge, the suspended CEO, without the approval of the board. Njoroge was hired in April 2018 by the exiting IPOA board, chaired by Macharia Njeru, despite the advice of Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
On Monday, the six board members, including Vice Chairman Jonathan Lodompui and members Fatuma Mohamed, Dr Jimmy Mwithi, Doreen Muthaura, Praxedes Tororey, and JM Waiganjo, read Makori the riot act, accusing her of violating Article 35 of the Constitution and Section 31(1)(b) of the IPOA Act.
They demanded that Makori share with the board all communication between herself and the Attorney General's office regarding Njoroge's reinstatement. The board members also accused Makori of undermining them and sabotaging the authority's operations.
Makori, however, defended her decision, stating that she is a stickler for the rule of law and cannot preside over the non-procedural sacking of the CEO. She praised Njoroge for winning an award on prudent financial management and for turning out zero pending bills.
"I have been accused of single-handedly supporting the CEO. The fact of the matter is that I stick to the rules, follow processes, and watch out for the institutional good," Makori said.
But the board members remain firm in their resolve, stating that their decision to fire Njoroge cannot be revoked or varied by anyone. "Maina Njoroge remains legally debarred to assume office that he was lawfully and procedurally dismissed from, unless and until the due process is pursued and endorsed by the board," they said.
The dispute has sparked concerns about the survival of IPOA, with the board members warning that Makori's actions are compromising the authority's integrity and independence.
