ODPP scoop four prestigious awards during Annual National Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition (DIAR) Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony
March 6, 2025 The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has scooped four prestigious awards during the 7th edition of the Annual National Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition (DIAR) Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony 2025 at Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands, in Nairobi. Hongera sana. The ODPP won the Best Statutory Commission and Authority on Ethnic Representation category, first runners-up in the Best Statutory Commission and Authority on Equitable Allocation of Opportunities and Resources category, second runners-up in the Best Statutory Commission and Authority on PWD Representation category, and a finalist in the Best Statutory Commission and Authority on Good Governance, Transparency, and Accountability category. The awards, which included a trophy, and 3 framed certificates of recognition were received by the Ag. Secretary Public Prosecutions Mr. Alloys Kemo, OGW, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga CBS, OGW. Delivering the speech on behalf of the DPP, Mr. Kemo reaffirmed the office’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination, particularly in the recruitment of staff. He defined ODPP as an equal employer that is guided by the rule of law in all its processes. The DIAR Awards ceremony honoured and recognized State Corporations, County Governments, NGOs, Corporate Companies and individuals making significant contributions as investors in people, planet guardians, and champions of prosperity for posterity. The awards are based on internal and external research as well as reviews of the latest publicly available reports, including the Status of Compliance of the Public Service with Values and Principles in Article 10 and 232 of the Constitution by the Public Service Commission. The awards comes just a year after the DPP was elected president of the Africa Prosecutors Association (APA) in Morocco, and two months after receiving the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) award from President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, and a week after he came second in the CEO of the Year category at the Digital Transformation Public Sector Awards 2025 in Mombasa
ODPP and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime
March 4, 2025 The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, held a key meeting with Mr. Karl Ash, the Country Attaché of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two institutions in dismantling transnational organized crime in Kenya. The discussion underscored the long-standing partnership between the ODPP and USDEA, which has yielded significant results. The collaborative efforts have included capacity building and training for ODPP staff, Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA), and technical assistance to enhance prosecutorial capacities. The DPP expressed his gratitude for USDEA’s unwavering support and significant contributions to capacity building within the ODPP, emphasizing how this support has been critical in enhancing the office’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate. The DPP emphasized the importance of collaboration in the fight against transnational organized crime, particularly narcotics-related criminal networks. Mr. Karl Ash reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continued cooperation with the ODPP, emphasizing their shared mission to advance justice in Kenya. He stated that the war on drugs cannot be won by a single country and hence the need for cooperation and collaboration. Some of the key areas on which the two institutions were keen to collaborate on include joint capacity building and training, prosecution-led investigations into drug cartels and related criminal activities, intelligence sharing, and technical expertise, among others. The DEA operates under the U.S. Department of Justice and is responsible for enforcing drug laws and dismantling narcotics-related criminal networks. In Kenya, the DEA collaborates with law enforcement agencies to combat illicit drug trafficking, money laundering, and other transnational crimes.
DPP bags award at Digital Transformation Forum
March 28, 2025 Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga CBS, OGW has been feted at the Digital Transformation Public Sector Awards 2025 in Mombasa. The DPP came second in the CEO of the Year category, with his recognition associated with the successful roll out of the Uadilifu Case Management System at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). William Kabogo, the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy handed the DPP the award, consisting a plaque and certificate of recognition. “We are excited by the digital transformation and I assure you the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will be at the forefront of embracing the digital era,” said the DPP. The DPP came second from a category of six nominees following a rigorous selection process by a team of judges in the award panel from the public and private sector. The award comes barely a year after the DPP was elected president of the Africa Prosecutors Association (APA) in Morocco, and two months after he was bestowed with the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) award by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. Speaking at the event, Mr. Kabogo vowed to lead the digital transformation in government by introducing paperless correspondences. The forum which aims to advance digital solutions within government operations, attracted experts and leaders dedicated to driving innovation and efficiency. The Uadilifu Case Management System is a digital solution that has revolutionized the way the ODPP handles case files, allowing prosecutors to process files more efficiently, drastically reducing turnaround times. The DPP has consistently emphasized on how the system has improved the working relationship between the ODPP and the Judiciary, particularly with the filing of charge sheets and promised to ensure its successful rollout at the national level. Present at the event were, Eng. John Tonui, PS for ICT and Digital Economy; John Mutahi, PS for Economic Planning; Dr. Salome Wanjiru, PS for Correctional Services; and Evelyn Cheluget, Director General of Immigration and Citizen Services.
DPP join key stakeholders in public and private sectors at the Digital Transformation Public Sector Forum in Mombasa
March 28, 2025 The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on 27th February 2025 joined key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors at the Digital Transformation Public Sector Forum and Awards (DTPS) 2025 in Mombasa. The forum, which focuses on advancing digital solutions within government operations, attracted experts and leaders dedicated to driving innovation and efficiency. Under the theme Driving Efficiency through Cross-Government Digital Collaboration, the DPP took the opportunity to share the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) journey in digital transformation, dating back to pre-COVID-19 period. In his remarks, the DPP highlighted the significant progress made with the Uadilifu Case Management System, a digital solution that has revolutionized the way the ODPP handles case files. Unlike the previous manual system, which he described as outdated, tedious, and difficult, the Uadilifu system has enabled the ODPP to process files more efficiently, drastically reducing turnaround times. The DPP also emphasized how the system has improved the working relationship between the ODPP and the Judiciary, particularly with the filing of charge sheets. “The Uadilifu system has proven to be an essential tool, allowing us to enhance our efficiency and collaboration with other key agencies, in the criminal justice sector” said the DPP. The DPP urged other security agencies and government bodies to embrace digital platforms, asserting that such tools are crucial for ensuring seamless operations across various sectors. He also called for continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the successful national rollout of the Uadilifu system, which he believes will further streamline processes in the justice sector. Present at the event were, Eng. John Tonui, PS for ICT and Digital Economy; John Mutahi, PS for Economic Planning; Dr. Salome Wanjiru, PS for Correctional Services; and Evelyn Cheluget, Director General of Immigration and Citizen Services.
Tanzania, Zanzibar DPPs tour Kenya’s Child-Friendly Technology-Aided Interview Room
February 21, 2025 Following the end of the two-day regional roundtable focused on emerging trends in sexual and gender-based violence, Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) from Tanzania and Zanzibar visited Kenya’s innovative technology-aided child-friendly room in Nairobi. The room is designed to facilitate the pre-recording of testimony from child victims, ensuring accurate evidence collection while minimizing the risk of secondary victimization. Linda Ndambiri, the head of the Children’s Division at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), led the presentation highlighting that the room was established as part of Kenya’s broader commitment to combat crimes against children. “The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya has taken significant steps in addressing crimes against children by implementing various policies, including the establishment of child-friendly interview rooms,” said Ndambiri. Equipped with advanced technology, the child-friendly room ensures that young victims can testify in a safe, controlled environment, free from the intimidation and trauma often experienced in traditional courtrooms. This innovative approach prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of child victims, offering a space where they can provide their testimony with dignity and without fear of re-traumatization. “The primary objective of the child-friendly room is to create a secure and supportive environment where children can share their experiences with confidence. It is not only a compassionate response to their vulnerability but also ensures that their voices are heard,” Ndambiri added. The facility helps reduce the risk of secondary victimization, ensuring that children can testify without further harm while contributing to the pursuit of justice. Sylvester Mwakitalu, the Director of Public Prosecutions Tanzania commended Kenya for introducing the child-friendly rooms, acknowledging the challenges children often face when it comes to testifying in court. He emphasized that this initiative would significantly improve evidence collection, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, and help ensure their safety throughout the legal process. Mgeni Jecha, DPP from Zanzibar also expressed support for the initiative, noting that with the rapid advancement of technology in society, such measures are timely and necessary in addressing emerging trends in criminal cases. He pointed out that the technology-enabled system could help facilitate the presentation of evidence to various courts without requiring child witnesses to physically appear in court. This groundbreaking initiative, developed with the support of Lawyers without Borders (LWOB), is the first of its kind in Africa. By leveraging technology and child-centered policies, ODPP Kenya is setting a new benchmark for child victim protection in the justice system, offering a model that other countries can replicate. The establishment of the child-friendly room aligns with ODPP’s broader efforts to strengthen the justice system and enhance the protection of the most vulnerable members of society. The DPPs from Tanzania and Zanzibar, who visited the facility, were deeply impressed by the initiative, recognizing it as a crucial tool in the fight against child exploitation and abuse.
Boost for DPP in Tob Cohen murder case as Sarah Wairimu denied bai
February 20, 2025 Kibera High Court has denied Sarah Wairimu Cohen bond after the prosecution opposed her release. Wairimu, the widow of the late Dutch tycoon Tob Cohen will be remanded at Langata women’s prison until two key witnesses testify. She is alleged to have murdered her husband on the 19th of July 2019 in the Lower Kabete area within Nairobi County. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday by Hon. Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, the court ruled that the prosecution proved with sufficient evidence the likelihood of witness intimidation and interference. Justice Kavedza stated that Sarah’s case is of public interest where a life was lost in the most heinous manner. “It is my considered view therefore that the principal of justice and public interest outweigh the accused right to liberty at this stage” ruled justice Kavedza. She further stated that the court must safeguard the trials integrity’ by protecting witnesses and preventing potential interference. The Court declined the accused’s application for bail and stated that the accused shall remain in custody until after the two key witnesses have testified. Wairimu was re-arrested after the DPP, Renson Ingonga, reviewed the murder case and determined that there was sufficient evidence to charge her with murder. The case was prosecuted by SADPP Vincent Monda, SADPP Gikui Gichuhi, ADPP Sarah Ogweno, PC Peris Maina, and PC Livia Gachanja. The matter will be mentioned on 26th February 2025 for pre trial directions.
Juja MP George Ndung’u on the spot for faking academic documents
February 20, 2025 Juja lawmaker George Ndung’u Koimburi was arraigned at a Kiambu court following his arrest on Tuesday. The MP was slapped with three charges related to forging academic certificates and three more for uttering false documents. Prosecuting Counsel, Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Everlyn Onunga, told court that on diverse dates between November and December 1994 at an unknown time and place within Republic of Kenya, with intent to deceive, the MP forged a Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificate to wit Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) purporting it to be a genuine and dully signed certificate issued by KNEC. He was charged with two other counts of forging a Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) certificate of participation in the East African Universities Accession Project and JKUAT Academic Excellence certificate from department of School of Human Resource Development. The MP was also charged with allegedly uttering the said academic certificates and Certificate of participation, purporting them to be genuine and duly signed certificates issued by KNEC and JKUAT. Court heard that the accused person knowingly and fraudulently uttered the said certificates on the 8th of March 2021 at the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) offices. He pleaded not guilty to the charges before Hon. Mwanamkuu Mwakwambirwa. The accused was initially charged with forging academic certificates on 26th April 2021 and released on a bond of Ksh.100,000. Court issued a warrant of arrest on 16th September 2021 after the MP failed to attend to court summons and forfeited his cash bail. He was released on a Ksh.200,000 cash bail. The case was prosecuted by Onunga, assisted by Principal Prosecution Counsel Benjamin Kelwon.
DPP steps up efforts against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
February 20, 2025 Kenya is hosting a two-day regional roundtable of Directors of public prosecutions and Inspector generals of police from the Eastern Africa region on countering emerging sexual & gender-based violence (SGBV) trends in the region. The workshop comes at a critical point as Directors of Public Prosecutions and heads of law enforcement from the region seek to build on efforts by the countries in the region to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking in persons, especially for online and commercial sexual exploitation. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Renson Ingonga, in a speech delivered by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Hassan Abdi, noted that his office has continued to put in measures to address and combat sexual and gender-based violence through putting in place specialized units dealing specifically with SGBV, Counter-Trafficking in Persons and Children, to prosecute these cases and provide victim support effectively. “These units have specialized prosecutors who have been trained and continue to receive training on matters related to Technologically Facilitated Gender Based Violence (TFGBV) and trafficking in persons through skills enhancement, best practice approaches in the handling of victims, and enhancement of inter-agency collaboration,” said the DPP. He added that the office has established child-friendly interview rooms for the examination of vulnerable witnesses ensuring that the best evidence of the victims is taken while avoiding re-traumatization of their vulnerable positions. The DPP further noted that in the recent past, technology has been weaponized to cause harm thereby calling for a multi-thronged approach from all stakeholders such as education and awareness creation on how users can identify and report these crimes. Ingonga added that Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Republic of Zanzibar have in place legal frameworks that address tech-related offences thus what needs to be improved on is defining such offences and improving on the penalties taking into consideration the impact it causes. The DPP Uganda Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo appreciated GIZ and Lawyers without Borders for initiating the regional roundtable adding that it is timely and good for prosecutors and investigators to have such conversations and cascade the resolutions to the grassroots towards addressing the ever-rising cases of SGBV. “The region has experienced gender-based violence with cases keeping skyrocketing especially in Uganda. She highlighted how women and girls were used as wives of the commanders of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) who treated SGBV as a normal exercise. She added that prosecutors and investigators play a key role in addressing such crimes and should ensure the decisions they make shape the outcome of such cases. “Prosecutors and investigators play a key role in the push to reduce crimes of sexual and gender-based violence. Perpetrators of such crimes should be made accountable for what they do,” she said. She identified the breakdown of law and order, using SGBV as a weapon of war, displacement and refugee cases, cultural norms, economic hardships, and limited access to justice as key drivers of SGBV in conflict situations. She Identified security concerns, language barriers, and delays in the criminal justice process as some of the challenges affecting the prosecution of SGBV cases arising from conflict situations in Uganda. She called for the capacity building of all stakeholders, and to ensure that survivors are afforded the dignity and support they deserve. Ulrich Jaenen, Country Component lead, of Police Program Africa commended the DPP for the efforts taken by his office in tackling sexual and gender-based violence and called for more such regional roundtables to discuss ways of tackling human trafficking and sexual-based violence. He added that GIZ is currently focusing all efforts on addressing sexual and gender-based violence cases. The attendees include Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, DPP Uganda, Sylvester Mwakitalu, DPP United Republic of Tanzania, Mgeni Checha, DPP Zanzibar, Ramadhan Kingai, DCI Tanzania, Paul Wachira, deputy DCI Kenya, Beata Chelimo, deputy DCI Uganda, prosecutors, and representatives of civil society organizations among others.
ODPP partner with US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to training law enforcement officers on the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
February 18, 2025 The ODPP, in collaboration with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), has organized a 5-day Counter Proliferation (CP) curriculum implementation training workshop for law enforcement, investigators, and prosecutors on the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) at the Prosecution Training Institute, Loresho. The workshop was officially opened by the Acting Secretary Public Prosecutions and Head of the Prosecution Training Institute, Mr. Alloys Kemo, OGW, who delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the DPP, Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW. In his remarks, Mr. Kemo emphasized the need for collaboration and networking within the law enforcement agencies in the countering of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. He also urged the participant to deliberate and devise means through which the knowledge gained may be used to inform policy or even legislative change proposals in dealing with WMDs and dual-use substances in Kenya. He commended the US government and, notably, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for their efforts and dedication in the development and implementation of the Counter Proliferation (CP) curriculum. In the spirit of interagency collaboration, the workshop brought together 49 officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Border Police Training Campus, Directorate of Criminal Investigations Bomb Disposal Unit, National Police College Kiganjo, the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Police Service Embakasi B Campus, and the ODPP.
Strengthening Justice: ODPP and IPOA Collaborate to Enhance Efficiency and Public Trust
February 13, 2025 The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continue to collaborate effectively in ensuring the efficient delivery of justice. In line with this ongoing partnership, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Renson Ingonga CBS, OGW, met with a delegation from IPOA, led by Chairperson Isaack Hassan where they discussed various areas of cooperation aimed at ensuring timely and effective delivery of justice. The DPP highlighted the importance of such meetings, noting that they offer a valuable opportunity to review progress made and identify areas for improvement in delivering justice to all. He emphasized the necessity of conducting pretrial conferences, especially in cases involving police officers, before proceeding with trials in court. This, he explained, would help better prepare for the case and ensure clarity on the evidence to be presented. Addressing the review of case files, the DPP acknowledged that gaps may arise during investigations, particularly when they are rushed, potentially overlooking key evidence. In such cases, he emphasized that the DPP’s office has the constitutional mandate to review cases at any stage, even before judgment, and could recommend further evidence collection. “The constitution clearly mandates the DPP to review cases at any stage and make decisions at any point in the trial process,” he remarked. The DPP also reaffirmed the importance of meeting certain thresholds before charging , citing established doctrines on the decision to charge. “There are clear standards that must be met before a case is taken to court,” he added. IPOA Chairperson Isaack Hassan advocated for regular, structured training sessions between IPOA officers and prosecutors. He said this will help both parties stay updated on emerging issues and better understand current trends. “We must emphasize the need for a strong working relationship between prosecutors and investigators. This collaboration is crucial for the smooth execution of their respective constitutional mandates,” Hassan stated. Hassan also noted that the new IPOA board, which took office during a period of significant public disquiet, had prioritized regaining public trust. This was he said will be achieved through active engagement with key stakeholders in the justice sector. He further underscored the importance of joint efforts among IPOA, ODPP, the National Police Service (NPS), the judiciary, and other justice sector actors, particularly in cases involving police officers. IPOA CEO Elema Halake emphasized that pretrial conferences should be mandatory, especially for high-profile cases involving the public interest, as they can often be complex. Failure to conduct these conferences, he warned, could undermine the trial process. He also called for enhanced communication between IPOA and ODPP, which would foster a more seamless working relationship. “Continuous consultation between investigators and prosecutors is vital for ensuring that evidence is gathered effectively and preserved properly,” Halake added. Halake also advocated for joint training of IPOA investigators on ODPP policies, including the Diversion Policy and the Decision to Charge, to ensure they fully understand the criteria needed to make such decisions in cases.