DPP joins other justice actors as NCAJ launches Strategic framework for greening Kenya’s justice system
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson M. Ingonga OGW, joined other key actors in the justice sector at the launch of the National Council on the Administration of Justice Strategic Guiding Framework for Greening Kenya’s Justice System 2024, held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. The strategic framework offers a comprehensive guide with both crosscutting and institution-specific recommendations. It aims to help justice sector agencies integrate environmental sustainability into their core functions, marking a significant step toward incorporating eco-friendly practices into justice institutions. The DPP emphasized the crucial role of prosecution in bridging law enforcement and the courts, particularly in addressing environmental crimes. He highlighted that, in an era of heightened ecological awareness, effective prosecution is essential for genuine environmental protection. His office has implemented various measures to enhance environmental protection, including the digitization of operations through the Uadilifu case management system, which integrates with the judiciary’s e-filing and case tracking systems. This shift has significantly reduced paper use, contributing to pollution reduction. Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs the National Council for the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), outlined that the strategic framework addresses policy, legislation, technology adoption, and community engagement. These elements ensure that the justice system supports environmental preservation and sets a benchmark for sustainable operations. She expressed confidence that the justice system will drive progress in mitigating climate change, with support from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry praised the NCAJ for its commitment to environmental protection. He noted that the timing of the framework’s launch is ideal and emphasized the importance of enforcing court orders related to environmental preservation. The Cabinet Secretary committed to developing guidelines for environmental protection and monitoring progress in line with Kenya’s international climate commitments. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, stressed the importance of providing legal aid to vulnerable and marginalized groups to promote environmental sustainability. She emphasized the need for legal services to offer environmentally responsible advice and ensure that business practices align with ecological sustainability. Mohamed Amin, Director of Criminal Investigations, highlighted the significance of green policing, which encompasses investigations, arrests, crime prevention, and surveillance of protected and crime-prone areas. He noted the necessity of raising awareness among law enforcement officers about compliance with environmental management policies and regulations, underscoring the commitment of the National Police Service to enhance education on these issues.
ODPP reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with media
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of Mutual Legal Assistance Division Vincent Monda represented the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, at a Government and Media Leaders dialogue in Naivasha aimed at enhancing collaboration and reviewing media regulations mechanisms. The workshop, organized by the Media Council of Kenya, saw Monda reaffirm the DPP’s commitment to collaborating with journalists to ensure justice for both the media and the public. He highlighted that the ODPP is currently awaiting the results of an investigation by the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) into allegations of harassment and assault against journalists during recent demonstrations ad urged affected individuals and witnesses to provide statements to the authorities. David Kwalimwa, the Deputy Head of Communications at the ODPP, appreciated the media for covering significant public interest stories, such as the discovery of human bodies in Kware, Mukuru Slum, Nairobi. He assured journalists of the ODPP’s commitment to supporting training and capacity-building initiatives for journalists. Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Koome voiced concerns about the reported harassment of journalists while performing their duties and called for timely and impartial resolution of such cases.
DPP hosts LSK-Nairobi branch delegates in a bid to enhance administration of justice
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Nairobi paid a courtesy visit to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Renson M. Ingonga, OGW. The meeting involved in-depth discussions aimed at addressing areas of concern and mutual interests to enhance the administration of justice and uphold the rule of law. They discussed among others; improving the hearing and determination of cases, Capacity Building, and Joint Training to sensitize advocates on ODPP’s policy documents such as the Decision to Charge, Plea Bargaining, and Diversion. Mr. Kivuva commended the DPP for his contribution in ensuring cases are addressed on time even with the limited number of prosecutors. He however called on the DPP to work towards recruiting more prosecutors in order to help in addressing the issue. He further expressed concerns about the lack of cooperation by witnesses and missing police files, which he indicated have contributed to the increasing backlog of cases. The DPP acknowledged the concerns and assured them that once the office secures enough budgetary allocation, the issue of inadequate prosecutors to handle matters will be addressed. He also emphasized the importance of fostering strong working relationships among prosecutors, the judiciary, investigating officers, and the LSK, highlighting that collaboration is essential for effective justice delivery. Additionally, they agreed to collaboratively plan and participate in social activities, such as the Justice Games organized by the LSK and other justice sector players, to strengthen working relationships.
DPP Meets with IJM-Kenya Leadership to Strengthen Justice Delivery
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, OGW, held a key meeting with the leadership of the International Justice Mission-Kenya (IJM) led by the Country director Benson Shamala to explore avenues for further cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of justice in Kenya. The discussion underscored the long-standing partnership between the ODPP and IJM Kenya, which has yielded significant results. Their joint efforts have included developing and advocating critical policy documents for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). A major milestone was the publication of the Case Digest Volume 1, which focused on human rights violations, showcasing their collaborative strength in advancing justice. The partnership has also extended to organizing round table meetings with community justice centres. These meetings have been instrumental in sensitizing local stakeholders about the ODPP’s role and mandate within Kenya’s justice sector. The DPP expressed his gratitude for IJM’s unwavering support and significant contributions to capacity building within the ODPP, highlighting how this support has been crucial in enhancing the office’s ability to effectively fulfill its mandate. IJM Country Director Benson Shamala reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continued cooperation with the ODPP, emphasizing their shared mission to advance justice in Kenya. Both the ODPP and IJM are committed to enhancing their collaborative efforts with key focus on the Development of Case Digest Volume 2 which will spotlight jurisprudential cases and delve into critical aspects such as the plea bargain and decision-to-charge policy, refresher training for Prosecutors to provide additional training for prosecutors across the eight ODPP regional offices to refine their decision-making processes regarding charges and enhancing Investigations and Prosecutions dedicated to improving the handling of human rights violation cases, thereby ensuring more effective investigations and prosecutions.
The DPP reaffirms his commitment to supporting mutual legal assistance with the republic of Rwanda
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, OGW, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Mutual Legal Assistance matters with the Republic of Rwanda during a courtesy visit to His Excellency Martin Ngoga, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Kenya. During the meeting at the High Commissioner’s office in Nairobi, the DPP highlighted the collaborative efforts between Kenya and Rwanda in upholding the rule of law. He emphasized that continued bilateral engagements have significantly strengthened prosecutorial relations between the two countries. Discussions also centered on enhancing cooperation, including the possibility of exchange programs for prosecutors from both nations. Such initiatives, it was noted, would provide valuable insights into each other’s judicial operations and legal frameworks. They agreed to formulate a policy aimed at facilitating cross-border practice opportunities for prosecutors, ensuring a deeper understanding of respective laws and procedures. The High Commissioner expressed his commitment to fostering continued cooperation in justice delivery between Kenya and Rwanda, acknowledging the positive strides made thus far. In his capacity as President of the Africa Prosecutors Association (APA), the DPP assured Rwanda and other member states of his unwavering support towards the success of prosecutions in the entire continent of Africa.
DPP Calls on employees to adhere to the rule of law and code of conduct and ethics
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson M. Ingonga, OGW has urged employees at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to adhere to the rule of law and ODPP Code of Conduct and Ethics while discharging their duties. Mr. Ingonga spoke today at the Prosecution Training Institute (PTI) in Nairobi during the sensitization and signing ceremony of the ODPP Code of Conduct and Ethics. Present were all Heads of Departments and Regional Coordinators. The DPP urged employees to sign the Code of Conduct, and reminded them to remain professional and desist from actions that could depict them or the ODPP in negative light. He said: “We are indeed custodians of the rule of law and our actions must reflect the cardinal principle of our democracy in upholding the rights of citizenry.” Further, the DPP emphasized the need for ODPP staff to uphold integrity as a bedrock of securing public trust and making informed decisions guided by the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability. Hassan Abdi, the Ag. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Department of Inspectorate and Quality Assurance, lauded the DPP on his recent election as the Africa Prosecutors’ Association (APA) president in Morocco. Mr. Abdi undertook to oversee the signing and implementation of the Code of Conduct and Ethics by employees. The seven-page Code of Conduct and Ethics document applies to all staff and vouches for, among others, professionalism, integrity, independence, accountability, team spirit, transparency, impartiality, respect and courtesy, self discipline and confidentiality.
DPP Emphasizes the need for unified action among justice sector actors
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has emphasized the crucial need for unified action among judicial officers, prosecutors, and other stakeholders within the justice system to combat pervasive economic crimes. Speaking at a training session in Mombasa attended by judges and judicial officers from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique, focused on anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and transnational organized crimes, the DPP highlighted the timely significance of such initiatives amidst ongoing efforts to tackle corruption in the region. He stressed the importance of ongoing education and professional development in reinforcing judicial institutions and upholding core principles of accountability and transparency in dispensing justice. Emphasizing mutual respect between institutions as paramount in the anti-corruption endeavor, he commended the judiciary for its efforts in handling anti-corruption cases. The workshop aims to deepen the understanding of judges and judicial officers regarding emerging trends, methodologies, and challenges in addressing money laundering, corruption, and economic crimes. Through practical insights and case studies, participants gain a nuanced understanding of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes within the Kenyan legal framework, drawing upon international best practices. Furthermore, the session seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders, including judges, magistrates, prosecutors, law enforcement, and other relevant actors within the anti-corruption and financial crime landscape. Ultimately, it empowers participants with the tools and strategies needed to identify, analyze, and mitigate the risks associated with money laundering, corruption, and transnational organized crimes.
ODPP enhances cooperation with the International Maritime Organization
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) engaged with representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in combating maritime-related crimes. Vincent Monda, Head of the Mutual Legal Assistance Division at ODPP, proposed joint training initiatives for prosecutors, judicial officers, and investigators. These programs aim to strengthen capabilities in evidence gathering, presentation, and the establishment of procedural guidelines for handling maritime cases effectively. Highlighting recent developments, Monda informed IMO about the establishment of a dedicated Maritime Crimes Division within the ODPP. This division has a team of specialized prosecutors tasked with prosecuting maritime offenses in Kenya. Given the resurgence of piracy and emerging security threats in the Indian Ocean, Monda emphasized the importance of formalizing new engagement terms through updated Memoranda of Understanding between Kenya and relevant stakeholders. Kiruja Muchemi, IMO’s Project Manager, acknowledged the critical need for capacity building in the justice sector. He underscored IMO’s commitment to equipping legal professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the rising incidence of maritime crimes. Muchemi also emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts, especially for countries like Kenya that share maritime boundaries, in exploring diverse strategies to combat these challenges effectively.