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.
DPP Renson Ingonga on money laundering
October 21, 2024 The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has reaffirmed his commitment to combating money laundering in the country. Speaking at the Inaugural Anti-Financial Crime Summit in Nairobi, Wakesho Wegulo, Principal Prosecution Counsel who represented the DPP, stressed the importance of strengthening the working relationships between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and investigative agencies to curb illicit financial flows. Ms. Wakesho highlighted that such partnerships would enhance efforts to trace assets acquired through money laundering, bring offenders to justice, and disrupt illicit financial networks. The Summit, which brought together representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and financial institutions, resolved to adopt clear policies aimed at removing Kenya from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Kenya was included in the grey list by FATF in February 2024, in a move financial analysts say poses challenges to the country’s economic and social progress.
ODPP hold a 2-day training on Uadilifu for its staff
October 30, 2024 ODPP conducted a two-day Phase 2 training on the Uadilifu Case Management System and Data Compilation for prosecutors and Central Facilitation Services Staff drawn from counties and sub-counties in the South and North Rift region. In his opening remarks, Mr. Tom Imbali, the Rift Valley Regional Coordinator, underscored the pivotal role of the training in enhancing operational efficiency within the region. He highlighted the critical importance of mastering the Uadilifu Case Management System and proficient data compilation techniques to streamline processes and bolster decision-making capabilities across all ODPP offices. Mr. Imbali underscored the transformative potential of the training, urging county heads to actively engage and exchange innovative ideas. He emphasized that collaborative efforts and shared insights are fundamental in advancing the performance and efficacy of ODPP operations, equipping participants with a competitive edge in their respective roles. The primary aim of the training was to provide comprehensive instruction on the Uadilifu Case Management System, data management protocols, and their broader significance. The training was conducted by a joint team from ODPP Headquarters and the Nakuru office.
Nyanza Region holds Inaugural Men’s conference
In line with the Director of Public Prosecutions’ strategic agenda on staff wellness, the Nyanza region coordinator, Ms. Catherine Mwaniki, organized a one-day men’s conference aimed at promoting personal growth, mental well-being, and cohesion among the participants. The event, which brought together over 70 staff members from across the counties in the Nyanza region, covered a range of key topics essential for holistic development. These included physical and emotional well-being, career advancement, financial planning, leadership and integrity, as well as relationship and personal development. During the conference, Deputy Directors Alloys Kemo, Nkaduda Hiribae, and Michael Sang encouraged participants to seek support whenever they face challenges, emphasizing the importance of openness. They stressed that the journey towards healing begins with the readiness to seek help. The deputy directors also applauded the initiative, noting that it was the first of its kind since the establishment of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and commended Ms. Mwaniki for her proactive efforts. The conference featured expert facilitators, including medical professionals, financial consultants, and social development specialists, who provided valuable insights on various aspects of personal and professional growth. The event not only aimed to enhance individual well-being but also sought to build a supportive community within the ODPP staff, fostering a culture of mental health awareness and collective progress. Staff also got an opportunity to undertake a free medical assessment courtesy of Afrika Inuka Hospital Kisumu during the conference. September 30, 2024
ODPP partner with IJM to train Prosecutors on Decision to Charge Guidelines
September 25, 2024 The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in partnership with the International Justice Mission conducted a two-day training workshop on the Decision to Charge Guidelines for prosecutors in the Lower Eastern Region at the Nokras Silver Oak Hotel, Embu. This initiative aims to strengthen the justice system by enhancing the capacity of prosecutors to make informed decisions to charge. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Daniel Karuri, ODPP Regional Coordinator, Lower Eastern, emphasized the importance of the training in ensuring that all prosecutors across the country make consistent, fair, and objective decisions while undertaking their duties. Mr. Alloys Kemo, Deputy Director, Prosecution Training Institute, urged prosecutors to strictly adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines governing their profession, ensuring that their actions are always fair, impartial and in compliance with the law. Ms. Evelyne Onunga, ODPP County Head, Kiambu, provided insights into prosecution-guided investigations and key factors influencing the decision to charge. She underscored the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and outlined minimum standards for preparing prosecution files. The training brought together prosecutors from Meru, Nkubu, Githongo, Tigania, Maua, Embu, Runyenjes, Siakago, Chuka, Mutomo, Kyuso, and Mwingi.