IPOA Exposes Details About Armed Police Presence at Drama Festival in Nakuru
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has released new details about the heavy police deployment witnessed during the National Drama Festivals held in Nakuru on Thursday, April 10.
According to the oversight body, the National Police Service (NPS) sent three categories of officers to the event, sparking concern over their presence among school children.
In an official statement addressing the matter, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack revealed that the NPS had deployed officers from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), the Administration Police Service (APS), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The officers were reportedly sent to monitor and control the activities of secondary school students attending the festival.
“There was a large number of police officers stationed at the venue. They had blocked the main entrance, allowing only those with official accreditation to enter.
The officers from KPS, APS, and DCI were fully armed, with some in uniform and others in plain clothes. They were equipped with batons and guns,” part of the statement read.
To clarify the roles of the different police units, IPOA explained that the APS primarily deals with border security, anti-stock theft missions, and safeguarding vital infrastructure.
The KPS, on the other hand, is responsible for general law enforcement duties, public safety, and preventing criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the DCI handles complex investigations, including cases of serious crime such as cybercrime, fraud, and murder.
IPOA expressed serious concern over the necessity of sending armed officers to an event mainly attended by school-going children.
The authority questioned the reasoning behind the massive police deployment, especially given that the drama festival is an annual event meant to showcase students’ talents in a peaceful environment.
The festival took a dramatic twist after controversy erupted over a play titled Echoes of War, performed by Butere Girls High School.
The play, which touched on important themes such as governance, the impact of technology, and social justice, caused a stir that eventually led to the arrest of the play’s writer, Cleophas Malala.
Tensions flared further when police used tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered to watch the play. This action prompted widespread accusations of excessive force and police misconduct.
Additional reports emerged indicating that members of the press, teachers, and members of the public were also subjected to police aggression during the chaos.
In response to the troubling events, IPOA confirmed that it had initiated investigations into the alleged use of force. “IPOA urges the police to act with utmost professionalism, especially when handling public gatherings.
We are committed to closely monitoring the situation and conducting fair and impartial investigations,” the statement said.
The authority further stated that officers found guilty of misconduct during the incident would face disciplinary action. The NPS has also launched its own internal probe into the matter.
The events at the Nakuru festival have since drawn widespread reactions from Kenyans, public officials, civil society, and education stakeholders, with many calling for accountability and better handling of such events in the future.
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