DPP Strengthens Partnership with UN Human Rights Office in Advancing Justice

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, received a high-level delegation from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) led by Dr. Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya.

The meeting was both a courtesy call and a strategic engagement, offering an opportunity to review the ongoing collaboration between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and OHCHR while exploring new areas for deepened partnership in promoting and safeguarding human rights within Kenya’s criminal justice system.

The DPP welcomed the continued partnership, commending OHCHR for its pivotal role in reinforcing Kenya’s justice system. He emphasized that such collaborations are essential in ensuring accountability, strengthening public trust in the rule of law, and delivering justice to victims of human rights violations.

Dr. Jackson reaffirmed OHCHR’s commitment to working hand in hand with the ODPP, noting that strong prosecutorial frameworks are central to upholding human rights and protecting vulnerable populations.

For several years, OHCHR has provided vital support to the ODPP in prosecuting serious human rights violations, particularly through legal and technical assistance. This collaboration has included capacity building for prosecutors, case mentoring, and institutional reforms aimed at embedding survivor-centered approaches to justice. Among its notable contributions is the support provided in the prosecution of high-profile cases such as the Baby Pendo case, which remains a symbol of the pursuit of accountability for serious violations.

The partnership has also been instrumental in the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the investigation and prosecution of human rights violations committed by law enforcement officers. Through joint efforts with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the National Police Service (DCI and IAU), and court users’ committees, the ODPP has strengthened coordination among prosecutors, investigators, and judicial officers—particularly in the handling of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.

During the discussions, Dr. Jackson was formally introduced to the ODPP leadership, setting the stage for closer engagement in the years ahead. The two institutions reflected on their achievements and outlined key priorities for 2025–2026. These include sustained support in the Baby Pendo case with a focus on survivor support and mentoring, strengthening prosecutorial frameworks on human rights—especially in international criminal law and command responsibility—further institutional strengthening to ensure human rights principles are integrated into prosecutorial guidelines, and strategic collaboration in policy development to advance reforms that improve access to justice for survivors of human rights violations.