DPP joins justice sector actors in marking Supreme Court’s 12 years
November 5, 2024 As the Supreme Court marks its 12th anniversary, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Renson Ingonga, OGW, joined His Excellency President William Ruto and Judiciary leaders at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi to commemorate this significant milestone. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in Kenya’s justice sector since the Supreme Court’s inception, while underscoring a shared commitment to continuous improvement in service delivery. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) remains steadfast in its dedication to a people-centered prosecutorial approach, which seeks to foster collaboration with other justice sector stakeholders to ensure fair, transparent, and efficient justice for all citizens. Emphasizing transformation and innovation, the ODPP is actively developing strategies to streamline processes and enhance accessibility, in line with its vision of delivering effective justice and building public trust in the legal system.
ODPP Joins stakeholders in marking Child Service Month
November 5, 2024 In a continued effort to advance a people-centered prosecution service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), through its Children Division, participated in the launch of Children Service Month by the Milimani Children Court Users Committee. This month-long initiative, themed “Enhancing Child Justice through Preliminary Inquiry and Diversion: Promoting Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Dignity for Children in Conflict with the Law,” will run from 1st to 30th November. The event commenced in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where ODPP representatives and other stakeholders engaged with the public to raise awareness and encourage active participation in ensuring justice for children in conflict with the law. This collaborative effort aims to make justice more accessible and responsive to the unique needs of children. The launch was attended by key justice actors, including representatives from Probation and Aftercare Services, Kamiti Youth Correctional Training Centre, the Department of Children Services, the National Police Service, and several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). In Kisumu, ODPP joined forces with other stakeholders in an event led by Hon. Magistrate Ireri from the Children’s Court. The initiative began at the Kisumu Law Courts and included a public awareness walk through Kisumu Town, aiming to educate the community and promote access to justice for children. This event in Kisumu brought together participants from the Directorate of Children Services, the National Police Service, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, Kisumu Remand, and various NGOs. This diverse representation highlights a unified commitment to child protection and rehabilitation, underscoring the ODPP’s dedication to a justice system that prioritizes the welfare of children and aligns with international standards.
ODPP participate in the LSK Legal Awareness Week 2024 countrywide
November 1, 2024 LSK Legal Awareness Week 2024 was a success, with ODPP taking part in a just concluded Legal Awareness Week countywide that provided an avenue for members of the public to be informed and guided on legal matters affecting them and as well as where to seek help in case they were aggrieved. At Milimani Law Court parking yard, ODPP offered legal advice to 72 members of the public by walking them through the criminal justice system process from the time a case is reported to the police to when an accused person is jailed, fined, or acquitted. This allowed the public to comprehend the mandates of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as well as those of other agencies. They were advised to visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of the ODPP website: https://odpp.go.ke/faq/. It was noted that most of the time, aggrieved individuals who wish to seek justice are unable to do so because they are unfamiliar with criminal justice system actors and their mandates and sometimes end up seeking assistance from an agency on a matter that is not within their mandates. Members of the public were surprised to learn that ODPP does not investigate but rather makes the decisions to charge or not charge based on the evidence presented by investigative agencies such as the National Police Service, EACC, and IPOA, amongst others. They also offered career guidance to 20 law students from various universities in Kenya. Aspects of the fight against corruption, factors considered during the decision to charge, withdrawal of cases, and aspects of plea bargaining, diversion, and clarification of various legal legislations, such as the Sexual Offences Act, of 2022, were discussed. People who visited the ODPP’s stand across the country described the initiative as very crucial, with many describing the legal advice as an eye opener and a boost to their legal and human rights understanding. During day 3 of the LSK Legal Awareness Week 2024, Mr. Michael Sang, Ag. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, County Affairs, and Regulatory Prosecution, gave a brief overview of the ODPP’s mandates and career guidance to University of Nairobi Law students who visited the ODPP stand. Mr. Hassan Abdi, Ag. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions at the Department of Inspectorate and Quality Assurance also visited the ODPP stand at Milimani Law Courts yard alongside a team from ODPP Nakuru. The ODPP Garissa County team led by the North Eastern Regional Head, Mr. Bonny S. Okemwa, SADPP, engaged in public sensitization together with the RCK Garissa Officers during the LSK Legal Awareness Week 2024, held at the Garissa Law Courts yard. Members of the public were taken through the tools of Diversion, Plea Bargain Agreement, the Decision to Charge, General prosecution guidelines, and Bail and Bond policy guidelines. ODPP Nanyuki also participated in the Legal Awareness Week, where officers educated the public on the office’s mandate and key policies, including plea bargaining and diversion. The office was represented by Counsel Maina Kimaru and Linnette Obado. Moreover, ODPP Baringo, along with other stakeholders, took part in the LSK Legal Awareness Week 2024 at the Baringo County Parking Yard. The event provided an opportunity for the ODPP to educate the public on its mandate and key policies, including plea bargaining, diversion, and the handling of minors in the criminal justice system. The ODPP Baringo team also advocated for mobile courts to deliver legal services to underserved communities. This initiative aimed to enhance understanding of the office’s mandate and legal processes, while also promoting regional peace. as well as to foster peace in the region. On the final day of the LSK Legal Awareness Week 2024, Mr. Robert Otieno, Prosecution Counsel in Lodwar, joined the LSK Turkana Chapter for a visit to Lodwar Main GK Prison to provide legal aid. Mr. Otieno reassured remandees and convicts with appeals of the ODPP’s commitment to expediting the resolution of all pending trials and appeals. He explained the process for escalating concerns through the DPP’s office and the court system, addressing questions on plea bargaining and advising remandees facing murder charges on options available to them. Justice P.J. Otieno, Presiding Judge of the Lodwar High Court, was also present to support the initiative
Foreigners in court for operating clandestine laboratory
October 30, 2024 Three foreigners and a Kenyan were charged at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) law courts with allegedly operating a clandestine laboratory in Kajiado contrary to section 5B (1)(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (CONTROL) ACT No.4 of 1994. The court heard that Isreal Alvarado Vera, a Mexican, Egwu Ogba Mba, a Nigerian, Ojukwu Awu Alias Pastor, a Nigerian, and Betty Mukami Micheni, a Kenyan, allegedly operated a clandestine laboratory in contravention of the provisions of the aforesaid Act. The accused persons were also charged with the offence of being in possession of precursor chemicals, including Methylamine 40%, Ethanol, Phenylacetone 99%, tartaric acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetone, and Toluene, among other related substances, and with the additional offence of being in possession of proceeds of crime being a piece of land in Kajiado county. Egwu Ogba Mba was separately charged with an additional charge of being in Kenya unlawfully and without a relevant permit. Prosecution Counsel Ligami Shitsama told the court that the accused persons allegedly committed the offence on diverse dates between 15th March 2024 and September 12, 2024 in Ololepo village within Oloililai Sub -County in Kajiado. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku. In an affidavit opposing their release on bond, the prosecution led by Allen Mulama stated various reasons supporting their application noting that the accused persons were foreign nationals involved in the illicit trafficking of the chemicals, investigations involved other agencies local and International, and have so far unearthed a well-oiled and organized International criminal syndicate. Prosecutions further told the court that the offence which the accused persons are facing is serious and attracts severe penalties upon conviction a fine of not less than twenty million shillings or twenty years imprisonment or both in which the accused persons might be tempted to abscond court. Mulama also added that the 1st accused person Betty Mukami Micheni is a holder of two valid East African community passports with immigration travel records showing the accused person has travelled to India where some of the recovered chemicals originated. The case will be mentioned on 30th October 2024.
ODPP Narok held a workshop on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Narok
November 29, 2024 The ODPP Narok Office, in collaboration with the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), hosted the first in a series of consultative training sessions aimed at strengthening efforts to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Narok County. The meeting was supported by CREAW, whose Narok coordinator, William Mbanyamlenge, welcomed the partnership with ODPP to raise awareness among legal justice actors and community champions on addressing GBV and adopting a survivor-centered response. ODPP Narok County Head, Mr. Gitonga Murang’a, served as the lead coordinator of the meeting, guiding participants through a survivor-centered approach to addressing GBV and outlining plans for developing a Narok GBV action plan. Senior Prosecution Counsel, Ms. Sharon Koina, provided an overview of the legal framework at national, regional, and international levels on issues related to GBV. Ms. Koina also introduced participants to ODPP policies on GBV. Participants included representatives from the Law Society of Kenya, the National Government Administration Office (NGAO), the National Police Service, Probation and Aftercare, the Department of Children’s Services, Judiciary, and community champions. Three similar training sessions are planned for next month, targeting officers from sub-stations within Narok East, Narok South, and Narok North, with similar objectives.
How TUK student left school to join pastor Mackenzie church
October 28, 2024 PHOTO: Pastor Paul Mackenzie at the Shanzu Law Courts. The father of one of the accused in the Shakahola massacre case has narrated to court how his son abandoned University education to join a religious movement led by controversial pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie. In the case prosecuted by Peter Kiprop, Jami Yamina, J. V. Owiti, Betty Rubia, Anthony Musyoka and Peris Ogega. The man told the Shanzu Law Court that his son, through a referral from one of his former schoolmates in high school, was introduced to the Good News International Church associated with Paul Mackenzie. He further told the court that since joining the church, his son, who was undertaking a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering course at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUK), abandoned his education and retreated to the forest in Shakahola. The witness further told the court that when he questioned his son on why he no longer took education seriously, he said that the world was coming to an end and there was no need to continue with education which was an earthly and evil affair. He revealed that since his disappearance he could not trace his whereabouts until he received calls from him but whenever he tried to reach him, he was unavailable. It was not until he was told of his admission to a hospital in Malindi that he managed to meet him in person. He said when finally met his son in hospital, he was dehydrated, weak, and struggled to talk. He told the court that he could not imagine that his son who was once a rugby player, a sport associated with great physique, had deteriorated to a state he could not recognize.The witness added that his son told him that the church he joined condemned education and that all the academic documents of the church followers were burnt and destroyed in support of Mackenzie’s teachings that education was evil adding that in heaven there is no education. MacKenzie and his 92 co-accused are charged radicalization, engaging in criminal activity and being in possession of an article connected with an offence under the prevention of terrorism Act. Hearing continues.
ODPP takes part in Law Society of Kenya Legal Awareness Week 2024
October 28, 2024 The ODPP is participating in the Law Society of Kenya Legal Awareness Week 2024 under the theme “Laws for the People, by the People: Empowering Citizen Participation” from today, Monday, 28th October, 2024, to Friday, 1st November, 2024, at the Milimani Law Courts Parking Yard. The event, which will include country-wide Legal Aids Clinics, Prison Visits, Seminars and a Gala Dinner was launched today with the chief guest being Prof. Kivutha Kibwana. Welcome to the ODPP Stand at the Milimani Law Courts Parking Yard. We have made great strides in executing our mandate. Come and learn from us.
ODPP Staff compete at the Standard Chartered marathon
October 28, 2024 Staff at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on October 27, 2024, took time off their busy schedule to take part at the 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. The team, which would ideally be contributing to the provision of justice, participated in a variety of races, including a 5 km family fun run, a 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km full marathon. The team demonstrated their commitment to fitness as the majority managed to complete the races with ease. “We prepared for months. Running requires physical and mental strength and even though some sections were challenging. The ODPP team put up a good team and everyone finished the race,” explained Carol Muema, ODPP Head of Communications. Proceeds realised from this event, which attracted thousands of professional and amateur athletes from across the globe, will be channelled towards tackling inequality and promoting economic inclusion for the younger generation.
Tana River man handed life sentence for defilement
October 26, 2024 A step father in Tana River County has been jailed for life for defiling his 9-year-old mentally challenged step-daughter. Hola Resident Magistrate Benson Kabanga heard that the minor was lured into sexual activities by the convict when her mother was away. Hon. Kabanga convicted the accused on 30th September 2024, and he was consequently sentenced to life imprisonment on 28th October 2024, after the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecution, through Michuki Alfred, called 6 witnesses who testified and established a case against the accused person. The court heard that the victim was defiled by the accused on the 14th September 2022, after the victim’s sister stumbled on them in the act when she returned from school. The victim’s mother also testified that she returned home and found the victim crying and upon examination she noted her clothes had blood stains and this was collaborated by medical evidence.
Murang’a court slaps man with 20-year jail term for murder
October 25, 2024 The High Court in Murang’a has handed Ezekiel Saitabu Nakola a 20-year imprisonment term after he was found guilty of murdering Grace Wangari Mwangi. The offence occurred on 20th March 2017 at Karega Sub-Location, Kigumo Location, Kigumo Sub-County within Murang’a County. Justice Kanyi Kimondo reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution through Ms. AnnPenny Gakumu and Ms. Caroline Muriu and ruled it proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. Twelve witnesses had testified in the case. In delivering the sentence, Justice Kimondo further noted that the accused had not only committed the heinous crime, but also attempted to conceal the body, causing psychological trauma to the family. The court reviewed the victim’s family’s perspective and determined that this action is one from which they are yet to heal, and thus a custodial sentence was appropriate. The court heard that the accused had been employed by Grace Wangari Mwangi, mother to famed Bishop Pius Muiru, as her farmhand, a position he held for 10 years. On the fateful day, the accused had strangled the deceased and buried her behind the cowshed, where the carcass of a cow had been buried a few days earlier. The top was covered with a heap of sand and banana stems. In an attempt to cover up, he continued to steal from her MPESA account and household items from his girlfriend’s house in Karega, Murang’a County. The court found that the ingredients of murder were proved beyond reasonable doubt, and while there were no eyewitnesses or an admissible confession, the circumstances of the case created a complete chain to the guilt of the accused.