The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)

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.

DPP Emphasizes need for cross border collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and smuggling of persons.

January 31, 2025 The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, has stressed the importance of coordinated efforts and strategic approaches in combating human trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime, as well as the severe threats these crimes pose to the country.  Speaking during the official closing ceremony of a two-week Multi-Agency training workshop on human trafficking and smuggling of persons, the DPP noted that the case of trading in humans is a global challenge that requires intensive collaboration between prosecutors, investigators, law enforcers, border management secretariats, and specialized NGOs. The transnational Simulation-based training workshop on the 28th January 2025 touched on Investigating and Prosecuting Human Trafficking, Identifying and Referring the Victims to Assistance, and was organized by CIVIPOL under the framework of the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme and held at the Breeze Hotel in Busia, Kenya. Mr Ingonga stated that the level of collaboration demonstrated by the organizers of the cross-border workshop aligns with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)’s strategic plan 2023 -2027, which is anchored on interagency collaboration and cooperation to effectively tackle human trafficking and smuggling of persons. He expressed his appreciation for the CIVIPOL’s consistent support in strengthening the coordination and capacity of criminal justice actors in Kenya and Uganda in the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. The DPP stated that the workshop provides an important platform for anti-trafficking parties to collaborate in ensuring successful investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of human trafficking cases while also identifying and aiding victims. The event was also graced by Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda, who emphasized the need for community and media engagement in Kenya and Uganda in combating cross-border human trafficking.  She informed the participants that a multi-agency taskforce and technical working group in Uganda and Kenya respectively to promote and oversee the implementation of SOP has been established. The training comes at a time when the cases of cross-border human trafficking and migrant smuggling are on the rise as a result of porous borders, with the prevalent forms of trafficking being forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, and child trafficking. The Busia border between Kenya and Uganda is one of the busiest in East Africa, therefore the choice of Busia, Kenya, for this training was not in vain. The training was conducted in two phases: Inception Training, where the participants were introduced to migration, trafficking, and smuggling frameworks with a focus on each country’s referral mechanism and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for investigating and prosecuting trafficking in persons. The second phase was the Real Case Simulation, which allowed participants to apply the knowledge gained in a practical context by employing real-life scenarios in human trafficking and migrant smuggling cases. The workshop brought together police officers, public prosecutors, immigration officers, child protection officers, labour inspectors, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Kenya and Uganda. ODPP is fully committed to applying the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for investigating and prosecuting trafficking in persons in the discharge of our prosecutorial duties.

ODPP and the Ministry of Labour collaborate to strengthen prosecution of labour-related offences

January 28, 2025 DPP Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection led by the Principal Secretary, State Department of Labour and Skills Development, Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, CBS, who paid him a courtesy call to discuss areas of mutual collaboration in the prosecution of labour-related offences. The PS noted that the State Department of Labour and Skills Development is in the process of substantively reviewing various labour laws, a process that would require inputs from ODPP. He emphasized the difficulties encountered by the ministry in the investigation of labour-related offences, resulting in a huge backlog of pending cases in the ministry. The DPP acknowledged the degazettement of labour officers as delegated public prosecutors for all criminal proceedings arising under the Labour Institution Act 2007 on 27th December 2029 via Gazette Notice Vol CXXI-No. 176. The DPP noted that the prosecutors had been gazetted in 2013, a few years after the ODPP delinked from the Office of the Attorney General due to a lack of enough capacity to prosecute all criminal matters. He affirmed that the prosecutors across the country are competent and capable of handling all criminal matters, including those arising under the Labour Institution Act 2007. ODPP and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection agreed to conduct joint training and sensitization on thematic areas with the goal of equipping the labour officers with the specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise required to effectively investigate, prepare, and present a compelling prosecution file on labour-related criminal offences to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution. The training would enhance understanding of the provisions of the Labour Institutions Act and Employment Act, ensuring effective prosecution. The ODPP remains committed to upholding its constitutional mandate under Article 157(6) of the Constitution to institute criminal proceedings and ensure justice is served for all parties in labour-related disputes. Through collaboration with the Ministry, the ODPP can further its efforts to address criminal offences within the labour sector and enhance the overall administration of justice in Kenya.

ODPP and Senator Catherine Muyeka discuss amendments to Anti-FGM Law

January 28, 2025 The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in accordance with its strategic agenda of external people focus and policy analysis and development, held a meeting with the Nominated Senator Hon. Catherine Muyeka Mumma to discuss proposed amendments to the Prohibition Against Female Genital Mutilation Act. The Senator was received by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW at ODPP Headquarters in Nairobi. Ms. Jacinta Nyamosi, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution in charge of the Conventional and Related Crimes Department, led the team of representatives from the ODPP Children and SGBV Divisions in the meeting. The Prohibition against Female Genital Mutilation Act, CAP 62B, outlaws all forms of FGM and related practices. The discussion focused on making the Act more victim-friendly in order to offer further protections to victims of FGM while also eradicating re-victimization and re-traumatization. Ms. Muyeka, on behalf of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), reiterated her continued support and partnership towards coming up with an ideal provision that would better cater to the rights of victims. Other areas of cooperation included future multi-sectoral trainings for police and prosecutors on FGM matters as well as enhanced support services to victims.

Empowering Prosecutors: ODPP launches pioneering Counter-Terrorism Training to bolster national security

January 27, 2025 The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in accordance with its strategic agenda of advancing the fight against terrorism, has organized a two-week pilot training for prosecutors aimed at equipping them with the specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise required to effectively investigate, prepare, and present compelling cases in court. Speaking at the Prosecution Training Institute, during the launch of the Counter-Terrorism Module and pilot training program for prosecutors, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW noted that the threat of terrorism, terrorism financing, violent extremism, and radicalization continues to pose significant risks to national security, stability, and rule of law in the region. He added that effective fight against terrorism necessitates a comprehensive, multi-agency, and whole-of-government approach with prosecution playing a pivotal role in ensuring justice is served and perpetrators are held accountable. The DPP urged the participants to engage actively during this training, embrace new knowledge, and strive for excellence in their professional endeavours. He asked them to uphold the values of integrity, independence, transparency, accountability, professionalism, and team spirit in their prosecution, as outlined in the recently launched ODPP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The module provides an innovative and effective mechanism to equip prosecutors with the necessary tools they need to prosecute terrorism and terrorism financing-related crimes in modern times. This initiative is a significant milestone for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the entire East African region, as it is the first of its kind. In attendance were Acting Secretary Public Prosecutions, Mr. Alloys Kemo and Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions at the Department of County Affairs and Regulatory Prosecutions and ODPP Head of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime Division, Mr. Michael Sang. The DPP expressed gratitude to international partner, the British High Commission for their time, dedication, and support in making the module a success.

DPP hosts India High Commissioner to Kenya to enhance collaboration in the criminal justice sector

January 15, 2025 The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson M. Ingonga, CBS, OGW, hosted the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Ms. Namgya Khampa, for a meeting aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration in the justice sector. The discussion centered on fostering cooperation between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the High commission of India, with a focus on capacity-building initiatives. The key highlight of the meeting was the proposal to facilitate training opportunities for Kenyan prosecutors in India. These training programs are expected to empower the prosecutors with advanced prosecutorial skills and international perspectives. Speaking during the meeting, DPP Ingonga underscored the value of partnerships in strengthening Kenya’s justice system. “Collaborations such as these enable us to broaden our horizons and equip our prosecutors with critical expertise to address the dynamic challenges of the modern justice landscape,” he said. Ms. Namgya Khampa affirmed India’s readiness to support Kenya’s efforts in bolstering prosecutorial capacity and combating crime. “This partnership reflects the strong and growing ties between our two nations. India is committed to contributing to Kenya’s pursuit of justice and legal excellence,” she noted. The meeting also touched on knowledge sharing and strategies to address transnational crime, including cybercrime and financial fraud with both leaders expressing optimism about the potential for future collaborations and pledged to work toward implementing the agreed-upon initiatives.

The DPP, Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, meets Kenya Yearbook CEO Lilian Kimeto

December 19, 2024 The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, on 18th December 2024 met and engaged with a delegation from Kenya Yearbook led by CEO Lilian Kimeto, who paid him a courtesy call. The DPP and his guest discussed potential areas of partnership and collaboration between the two institutions, including content development and dissemination, public engagement, stakeholder management, among others. While acknowledging the critical role played by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the criminal justice system, Ms. Kimeto further appraised the DPP on the mandate and vision of the Kenya Yearbook, including some of the organization’s products. These include government communications, production of publications highlighting development, and promoting the various initiatives by the country’s stakeholders. The DPP acknowledged the crucial responsibility of the Kenya Yearbook and lauded Ms. Kimeto and her team on their efforts to inform and educate the public on government projects in an era where misinformation and disinformation are rife. Further, the DPP assured Ms. Kimeto of his support in ensuring promotion of public awareness to enable the public and international community to understand and appreciate the government’s efforts in promoting development.

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