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.
Collaboration between justice sector actors key to the timely administration of justice
February 12, 2025 Consistent collaboration among various agencies, particularly within the justice sector, is essential for the timely and efficient administration of justice for all. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW hosted a team from the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), led by Executive Director Dr. Moses Maranga. They discussed key issues that will contribute to effective, timely, and efficient justice administration in Kenya. The NCAJ is mandated to ensure a coordinated, efficient, and consultative approach to managing justice and reforming the country’s legal system. The DPP emphasized the need for collective efforts, particularly in the criminal justice sector, by implementing various policies to address existing challenges. He highlighted that his office has developed key policies to ensure justice is served fairly. He mentioned the importance of sufficient evidence meeting the necessary threshold before any charges are filed in court. Additionally, policies such as diversion and plea bargaining have proven effective in reducing case backlogs, thereby ensuring timely justice while conserving resources in the judiciary, investigations, and prosecution. He urged the NCAJ to address the limitations present in Kenya’s justice system, noting that resolving these issues would enhance public trust in the institutions and improve access to timely justice for Kenyans. Key challenges identified included: emerging issues lacking budget allocations, leading to weak responses; inefficiencies and delays in the trial process; uneven adoption of technology in justice institutions; delays in implementing reforms; inadequate human resources, particularly at the grassroots level; overcrowding in detention facilities causing custodial challenges; and rising public expectations for seamless service delivery. Both parties agreed to undertake comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts to facilitate timely adaptation and incorporate valuable lessons to enhance access to justice in Kenya.
Former KPC employees and a truck driver convicted of stealing petroleum products
February 11, 2025 Two former Kenya Pipeline Company employees and a truck driver have been convicted for stealing 13,852 liters of petroleum products from the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Kisumu terminal. The three Reuben Andolo Aseneka, a former loading island operator; Joseph Mbugua Maina, a truck driver; and Mutai Micah, a former ICT employee were found guilty on all six counts they faced. They were charged with conspiring to steal 13,852 liters of motor spirit premium (MSP), valued at Ksh 2,431,178, which was in the custody of KPC but belonged to various oil marketers. In Count 1, all three were convicted of conspiracy to commit a felony for conspiring to steal the MSP, which had been loaded onto a road tanker (Reg. No. KBJ 564D/ZD 1453). In Count 2, the accused were convicted of theft of petroleum products. In Count 3, Aseneka and Mutai were found guilty of illegally tampering with the KPC fuel monitoring systems (Fuelfacs and Acculoads). In Counts 4 and 5, Mutai and Aseneka were convicted of unauthorized access to KPC’s computer systems, specifically the Fuelfacs systems, while in Count 6, Mbugua was found guilty of illegal possession of petroleum products. The prosecution, led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Catherine Mwaniki, Patrick Okango, and Shitsama Lighami, argued that the accused’s actions amounted to economic sabotage, a serious offense punishable under Kenyan law. Kisumu Law Courts Chief Magistrate Hon. D.O. Onyango ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence, including testimony from 18 witnesses and physical exhibits, to prove the truck had illegally loaded the stolen fuel. The case is an example of a well implemented prosecution-guided investigation where the prosecution and investigation team severally visited the KPC terminal to understand how the system works before the commencement of the case. The prosecution also applied and had the court visit the scene (KPC terminal) in the course of the hearing. The court ordered that the three be remanded in custody until February 18, when sentencing will take place.
DPP calls for an embrace of Prosecution-guided Investigations in Anti-Counterfeit cases
February 10, 2025 The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW in advancing his strategic agenda on inter-agency collaboration today met with the Anti-counterfeit Authority team led by the Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robi Njoroge to discuss areas of mutual cooperation towards addressing the counterfeit crime in Kenya. The Anti-counterfeit Authority is a state corporation established under the Anti-counterfeit Act, Cap. 510 Laws of Kenya mandated with combating counterfeiting, trade, and dealings in counterfeit goods in Kenya as well as enlightening and informing the public on matters relating to counterfeiting among other roles. The team discussed among others having joint training between officers from the Anticounterfeit authority and prosecutors to empower them with advanced skills and expertise to tackle both the investigation and prosecution of such crimes. The DPP shared with them the need to embrace prosecution-guided investigations when dealing with counterfeit crimes noting that it will have a more enhanced quality of investigations and evidence which when presented in court will have a strong basis to secure convictions. “As agencies mandated to ensure the law has been abided by to the letter, we are expected to ensure our working relationship is focused on achieving the best for the country. Kenyans have bestowed us with the responsibility and we must at all times work towards that,” said the DPP. They also agreed to hold bi-annual meetings between the two institutions to evaluate and assess the progress of Anti-counterfeit cases and evaluate areas of improvement. Discussions on having joint trainings were also discussed, these trainings are focused on equipping both prosecutors and inspectors from the anti-counterfeit authority with advanced skills to combat emerging trends and crimes related to counterfeiting. The Chief Executive Officer Dr. Njoroge assured the DPP that they are ready to embrace prosecution-guided investigations to help achieve concrete evidence that increases the conviction rates and leads to reduced cases of counterfeit crimes in Kenya. He noted that in the past 5 years, the authority working with the ODPP has secured 14 convictions with fines of KSh. 296,259,850 imposed on the accused persons.
DPP Renson Ingonga Appears Before Public Accounts Committee to Discuss 2022-2023 Audit Report
February 7, 2025 The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson M. Ingonga, CBS, OGW appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the examination of the Auditor General’s report for the financial year 2022-2023. The DPP responded to various queries raised by the committee concerning expenditure at the office and commended them for their role in undertaking oversight for the prudent use of public resources. The session marked an important step in strengthening accountability within public institutions and ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively and efficiently. The examination of the report is a crucial aspect of the committee’s mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The PAC, chaired by Butere Member of Parliament, Hon. Tindi Mwale, plays a vital role in overseeing the financial operations of the government. Established under National Assembly Standing Order 205, the committee is entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing the accounts related to the appropriation of funds approved by the House for public expenditure. Additionally, it is empowered to examine any other financial records or reports that may be deemed relevant for ensuring proper fiscal governance. The DPP’s appearance before the committee emphasizes the importance of collaboration between various arms of government in promoting fiscal responsibility and good governance. The DPP was accompanied by Ag. Secretary Public Prosecutions Alloys Kemo, Deputy Director Corporate Services Nkaduda Hiribae, Chief Finance Officer Jane Chege among other staff.
DPP pays a courtesy call to Judiciary Busia during the Judiciary Dialogue Day
January 31, 2025 The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, on 31st January 2025 paid a courtesy call to the Judiciary offices in Busia during the Judiciary Dialogue Day. The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions. He met and held talks with Busia Presiding Judge Hon. Justice Dr. William Musyoka and Chief Magistrate Hon. Edna Nyaloti. During his address to the media, the DPP reaffirmed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) commitment to delivering its services to the citizens effectively and efficiently. “There is a need for public awareness for members of the public to understand the role of the ODPP, the Judiciary and the police,” said the DPP. The DPP emphasized the importance of a seamless justice system and noted that close cooperation between the ODPP and the Judiciary as it was essential in ensuring fair, transparent, and expeditious prosecution of cases. He highlighted the ODPP’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and enhancing access to justice for all citizens. The Judiciary welcomed the DPP’s remarks, acknowledging the critical role of prosecutors in the administration of justice. The dialogue session provided a platform for both institutions to discuss ways of collaborating. The engagement underscored the shared vision of a justice system that is responsive to the needs of the public, reinforcing the commitment of both the ODPP and the Judiciary to work collaboratively in ensuring justice is served swiftly and fairly.