05/06/2025
Identification parades in Kenya
Identification parade is a procedure that entails presentation of individuals of similar characteristics before a witness to establish whether they can identify suspects/perpetrators.
The conduct of identification parades must adhere to:
• Chapter 46, paragraph 6 of the police force standing orders (PFSO)
• The Police Act
Principles:
i. The parade must be carried out with fairness and privacy (confirmation done in a secured vantage point with the witness required to touch the suspect).
ii. Must have record of:
• The officer’s fair conduct and neutrality
• The comments of the accused person during the process
• Identification circumstances
iii. Officer must desist from hinting that the suspect is present in the parade.
iv. Accused person must be asked whether he found the process satisfactory.
v. Witness must physically touch the identified person.
vi. If witness asks to see the suspect walk, speak, wear cap or remove cap, then the entire parade must do so.
vii. All persons not authorized to be part of the parade must be excluded.
viii. Communication between witnesses is strictly forbidden.
ix. Suspect may choose and shift position after each witness.
x. The accused must be placed with at least 8 other individuals of similar characteristics.
xi. Witnesses must not see the suspect before the identification parade.
xii. Investigating officer must not be part of the team conducting the identification parade.
xiii. Accused must be told why the identification parade is being conducted and can have a friend of advocate present.