𝐎𝐃𝐏𝐏 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐢 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞-𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

In a bid to advance its agenda for a more people-centered prosecution service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) held a community dialogue session in Nyeri, Central Kenya.

The initiative, dubbed 𝑪𝙝𝒂𝙥𝒂 𝑮𝙪𝒎𝙯𝒐 𝒏𝙖 𝙋𝒓𝙤𝒔𝙚𝒄𝙪𝒕𝙤𝒓, was supported by the International Justice Mission (IJM) and aimed at fostering greater public understanding and trust in the prosecution process.

The dialogue brought together residents, law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, religious groups, business groups and members of civil society. It provided a platform for the public to interact directly with prosecutors, ask questions, and discuss issues affecting their communities.

The focus was on educating the public about the role of the ODPP, their legal rights, and how individuals can effectively engage with the criminal justice system.

Key topics addressed during the dialogue included the prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence, corruption, and human rights violations among others.

The DPP highlighted his commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that all cases, regardless of the circumstances, are handled with fairness and transparency.

Speaking at the event, the DPP Renson Ingonga emphasized that the initiative was part of a broader effort to decentralize prosecution services and make them more accessible to all. He also noted that public cooperation in the legal process is key to the delivery of justice.

The DPP further reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a people-centered prosecution service. He stated that his office is open for conversations with the public and encouraged them to pursue principles of alternative prosecution, including diversion and plea bargaining.

“By engaging with communities directly, we aim to demystify the prosecution process and ensure that it works for the people it serves,” the DPP said.

He gave an assurance that his office is open to feedback from the community and pledged to pursue the recommendations through the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) to inform reforms in the criminal justice sector.

The support from the International Justice Mission, a global organization focused on ending violence and protecting human rights, was instrumental in facilitating the dialogue. IJM’s partnership with the ODPP underscores a shared commitment to improving the criminal justice system in Kenya and ensuring that vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, are protected from violence and exploitation.

Residents of Nyeri expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the prosecutors. Many noted that the session provided clarity on the legal system and allowed them to voice their concerns.

“This has been an eye-opening experience. It is rare to have such direct interaction with the people who handle our cases. We now understand more about how the system works.” One community member remarked.