Nakuru residents sensitized on ODPP mandate

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Nakuru office Open Day took place at Red Cross Hall, Nakuru, marking a significant first in ODPP history.

The event aimed to deepen public understanding of the ODPP’s role in ensuring justice and fairness, providing an invaluable platform for community members to engage directly with ODPP representatives, ask questions, and gain insights into the ODPP’s mandate and services.

The event began with a sensitization walk around Nakuru town’s central business district culminating at the Kenya Red Cross grounds in Shabab. Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the ODPP’s pivotal role in fostering justice, enhancing public engagement, and promoting a community-centered approach to prosecution.

Delivering an address on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Secretary of Public Prosecutions Mr. Alloys Kemo, OGW, emphasized the ODPP’s commitment to a people-centered approach to justice, resonating with community needs and aspirations.

He stressed the importance of demystifying the ODPP’s role in case prosecution and resolution, highlighting that increased public awareness helps address misconceptions and builds trust in legal processes. By working together, he remarked, stakeholders can better address the needs of the public, foster trust, and ensure that justice serves as a unifying force within society.

Ag. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Michael Sang, underscored the transformative impact of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), diversion, and plea bargaining in reducing court backlogs and fostering peaceful conflict resolution. These strategies, he noted, not only expedite justice but enhance offender accountability, benefiting both the judicial system and the public.

Senior Assistant Director of Prosecutions, Mr. Vincent Monda, OGW, reinforced the ODPP’s dedication to engaging with the community, noting that the Open Day provided a unique opportunity to listen to public concerns and suggestions. He encouraged attendees to voice their thoughts, stressing that community feedback is a cornerstone of continuous improvement in ODPP’s service delivery.

The Nakuru County Commissioner, Mr. Loyford Kibaara acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders in enhancing justice delivery, particularly noting the ODPP’s vital role in this process. He emphasized that achieving a fair and effective justice system relies on collective commitment, where each stakeholder’s contribution aligns towards community welfare and lawful resolutions.

Mr. Tom Imbali, the Rift Valley Regional Coordinator, received special recognition for his exemplary leadership in advancing initiatives prioritizing community engagement in prosecution. Many speakers expressed gratitude for his unwavering commitment to transparency and active involvement in the Rift Valley Region.

In attendance were key officials, from ODPP, representatives from the Judiciary, State Law Office, National Police Service, Children’s Department, Egerton University students, Probation and aftercare services department, religious leaders, community policing representatives, National Government administration officers (NGAO) and members of the public.