Next year’s General Election presents a tough challenge for the security agencies, especially the National Police Service (NPS). There is a need for them to prepare adequately to deal with election violence and insecurity.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned commanders that they will be held personally accountable for crimes committed under their watch due to inaction or poor supervision.
In the run-up to the elections, rising political goonism poses a major test for the NPS, with calls for prevention. Gangs are often recruited to disrupt rallies and intimidate opponents. They are drawn from the mobs of vulnerable, unemployed youth. The recent by-elections have given early warning signs of the inherent grave danger.
On the rising deaths of suspects in police custody, IG Kanja has directed commanders to ensure that officers responsible for records, the cell sentry and duty officers are immediately interdicted pending investigations whenever such an incident occurs.
The IG says commanders will no longer escape culpability for crimes occurring in their areas. Those who fail to produce results will be relieved of their responsibilities and subjected to disciplinary action. Tolerating goons or indecision in dealing with criminals will be punished.
The IG has also called on every commander to take charge of the officers under them and government equipment assigned to their formations, and particularly those deployed to protect the VIPs. They must always act professionally, knowing quite well that one is above the law.
All this is very good, but intentions and mere talk are not enough to stop the criminal gangs and goons often used to disrupt political rallies and attack opponents. It is laudable that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) is pushing for accountability by targeting sponsors and financiers.
The police commanders must ensure that their areas remain secure and all officers act professionally in line with the service’s code of conduct.