This office would be responsible for carrying out investigations into deaths, moreso witnessed recently as a result of excessive police action
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has urged President William Ruto to begin the process of creating the Office of the Coroner General.
According to a press statement released on Tuesday, July 16, this office would be responsible for carrying out investigations into deaths, moreso witnessed recently as a result of excessive police action following sustained protests across the country.
“The Ministry has recommended to His Excellency, the President, to initiate the process of establishing the Coroner General’s Office as per the National Coroners Service Act 2017 to investigate deaths, including those resulting from police action,” the statement read in part.
A coroner at a past crime scene. /LOS ANGELES TIMES
A coroner is a government or judicial official who is empowered to conduct or order an inquest into the manner or cause of death and to investigate or confirm the identity of an unknown person who has been found dead within the coroner’s jurisdiction.
The Coroner General’s Office will also ensure accountability and transparency in cases of suspicious deaths.
The Ministry further noted that security agencies are under instruction to exercise restraint during peaceful protests and use non-lethal force to ensure public safety.
It however stated that police can indeed be compelled to use reasonable force when isolated and specific scenarios of protests escalate to criminalities including rioting, looting and burning of properties, disruption of traffic through the erection of roadblocks on major highways and invasion of critical and protected infrastructure.
“More security personnel have been deployed in hotspots and areas where security for critical infrastructure is prioritized,” added the statement.
“In the interest of the public, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has the power to investigate and recommend the prosecution of police officers involved in misconduct and unlawful acts. IPOA is already conducting independent investigations into several allegations of alleged police misconduct, killings and reported enforced disappearances.”
The Ministry also revealed that it remains on high alert concerning the insecurity posed by protest infiltrations and the cases of violence and disruption of public order. A National Multi-Agency Command to coordinate the security operations has been established.
It fired a warning shot to criminals camouflaging as peace-loving, noting that they will be dealt with firmly in strict adherence to the law and the National Police Service (NPS) will continue to pursue all those culpable, whether the crimes were committed on Tuesday or the past.
“We urge business and private building owners guarding their property to liaise with the area police for orderly management of security. Organizers of public gatherings should also notify the police of their intentions, including the location of their activities,” the Ministry further directed.
To improve public communication and in line with the Public Order Act, police will be issuing advisories on areas of deployment, official protest zones, areas cordoned off and contact persons to be reached following notification by organizers to enhance and ensure the peaceful conduct of public gatherings.
