Former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Macharia Njeru has claimed that he faced political pressure from President William Ruto when Ruto served as Deputy President.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, Njeru alleged that Ruto threatened him after IPOA declined to act in line with what he described as executive demands.
According to Njeru, the incident happened during his time leading the police watchdog.
Njeru Recounts Alleged Phone Call
Njeru said he received an early morning phone call from the then-Deputy President.
He claimed Ruto warned that if IPOA failed to cooperate, he and former President Uhuru Kenyatta would treat the agency as they treated the political opposition.
Njeru said he rejected the alleged pressure and told Ruto to proceed with whatever action he intended to take.
Calls on Public Officials to Defend Institutions
The former IPOA chair also questioned why some public officials fear standing up to political pressure.
He urged leaders of independent institutions and constitutional commissions to remain faithful to their oath of office.
Njeru said no public official should compromise the independence of state institutions out of fear.
He added that political leaders are temporary, urging officials to remember that all people are mortal.
Remarks Follow Ndung’u’s Allegations
Njeru’s comments come days after former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u made similar claims.
While speaking in Sweden, Ndung’u alleged that President Ruto interferes with independent public institutions.
He claimed many public officials feel compelled to follow executive directives because they fear possible consequences.
Ndung’u also said he refused to engage in improper dealings while serving as Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
State House Yet to Respond
Njeru served as IPOA’s first chairperson from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, the authority investigated police misconduct and often disagreed with senior government officials on accountability matters.
By the time of publication, State House had not issued an official response to Njeru’s allegations.
