DPP Emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to curb Transnational organized crimes

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, OGW, has emphasized the intricate connections between drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime, as well as the severe threats these crimes pose to the region. He called for collaborative efforts and strategic approaches to effectively combat these challenges.

Speaking at the official opening of the workshop on International and Regional Cooperation to Fight Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking in Eastern Africa, organized by the European Union Action Against Drugs and Organised Crime (EU-ACT) in partnership with the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP), the DPP expressed his appreciation for the European Union’s steadfast support. He commended the EU’s unwavering commitment, relentless efforts, and generosity in supporting the fight against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking in the region.

“Drug trafficking and transnational organized crime are global phenomena with far-reaching social, health, economic, and political repercussions. These illicit activities not only undermine development but also generate enormous profits for criminal organizations, creating a disturbing scenario that threatens state authorities and the legal economy,” the DPP stated.

The DPP noted that the workshop provides a crucial platform for fostering partnerships and building bridges necessary to combat organized crime effectively. He highlighted that Kenya has significantly benefited from this strategic partnership through initiatives such as the development of the Inter-Agency Guidelines on Cooperation and Collaboration in the Investigation and Prosecution of Terrorism and Terrorism Financing. These guidelines, he noted, have enhanced joint investigations and improved cooperation between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and law enforcement agencies.

He further reiterated that the collaboration between the European Union and the EAAP would strengthen mutual ties and expedite the establishment of robust international and regional cooperation mechanisms to combat transnational organized crime. This partnership, he noted, is a critical step towards achieving shared goals in the fight against these universal challenges.