The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
Garissa University students were sensitized on the role of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) during a legal awareness event organized by the university.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, in a speech delivered by Bony Okemwa, the Regional Coordinator for the North Eastern Region, praised the university’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to shaping young minds that will contribute to a just and prosperous society.
The DPP highlighted the significance of Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which embodies the national values and principles of governance that unite all Kenyans and serve as a guiding compass for every public institution, including the ODPP.
He emphasized that the ODPP’s mandate, grounded in the Constitution, extends beyond prosecuting cases; it includes safeguarding justice, promoting the rule of law, and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights for every citizen. This mission aligns closely with the goals of educational institutions like Garissa University, which play a crucial role in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.
The DPP expressed appreciation for Garissa University’s partnership with the ODPP, noting that the two-day sensitization program exemplifies the spirit of Article 10 by promoting civic education, enhancing legal awareness, and fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law. Such initiatives, he said, not only contribute to building knowledgeable individuals but also encourage the development of responsible and active citizens.
He added that through joint efforts, the aim is to nurture a new generation that not only understands the law but also values and upholds it in all aspects of life. “By instilling in our students and staff a deep appreciation for the principles of Article 10, we move closer to the vision of a just and equitable Kenya.”
The DPP also acknowledged the vice chancellor, Prof. Ahmed O. Warfa, PhD, and Garissa University, for initiating this important partnership, encouraging them to be champions of justice and equality while upholding the rule of law.
Mr. Alloys Kemo is the Deputy Director in the Department of Prosecution Training Institute (PTI). Mr. Kemo is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and was admitted to the bar on 1995. He holds a Master’s of Science in Leadership & Governance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) , LLB Degree from Nagpur University, and a postgraduate diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Mr. Kemo has previously served as a Regional Head, Coast Region between 2019 to 2021 before heading to Rift Valley as a Regional head. He has also served as a deputy head in the Department of offences against the person and Head of the Penal Code Offences Division between 2013 to 2018 at the Office of the Direction of Public Prosecutions.
He has also been a member of several committees that developed key prosecution policies and guidelines such as; the ODPP Act of 2012, National Prosecution guidelines, the Diversion policy, Diversion guidelines, the Plea bargain guidelines and The Decision to Charge guidelines amongst others. He also attended several prosecution courses in various thematic areas and in management and in Leadership.
Mr. Kemo has vast experience electoral Justice and lead the ODPP Election Offences Prosecution Team in the 2017 National General Elections and also the ODPP Election Preparedness Committee in the 2022 National General Elections. He is a trainer and has facilitated external trainings and also internal training for ODPP staff.