Tag: Renson Ingonga

  • ODPP reaffirms commitment to human rights

    ODPP reaffirms commitment to human rights

    The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening justice, accountability, and the rule of law in Kenya.

    Speaking at the Haki Africa 10-Year Anniversary Conference held in Mombasa on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, the Secretary, Public Prosecutions, Alloys Kemo, praised Haki Africa for its consistent role in promoting human rights and and encouraged the organisation to remain bold and steadfast in championing the rights of all.

    “You have been our cheerleaders for the good work we’ve done, and you have also challenged us where we fall short of your expectations. We may not be perfect, but these continuous engagements are what guide us towards achieving a better society,” said Kemo.

    He emphasized that the ODPP is anchored on the belief that justice and development are inseparable, noting that public trust in the rule of law, where the law applies equally to all regardless of status, is fundamental to a democratic society.

    Kemo further underscored that the ODPP operates strictly within the rule of law and is guided by key policy frameworks, including the Decision to Charge Guidelines, which ensure fairness and consistency in prosecutorial decisions.

    The event held on Saturday brought together civil society actors, development partners, and community representatives to reflect on a decade of human rights advocacy and chart the future of justice and accountability efforts in the region.

    On his part, Haki Africa Executive Director, Yusuf Abubakar reflected on the organization’s 10-year journey, highlighting its collaboration with the ODPP in addressing issues such as terrorism, radicalization, and the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies.

    He noted that these engagements have fostered a human rights-based approach, including the adoption of soft strategies in working with duty bearers, and acknowledged notable progress within the ODPP, particularly in decision-making processes on charging.

    Haki Africa Board Chairperson Prof. Najya Mohammed also highlighted the organization’s decade of impactful interventions in addressing various human rights violations and promoting justice for vulnerable communities.

    The celebrations culminated in the launch of the Haki Africa Strategic Plan 2025–2028, setting the stage for the organization’s next phase of impact, followed by a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony marking ten years of resilience, advocacy, and transformative partnerships.

  • DPP urges stronger regional collaboration to combat emerging crimes

    DPP urges stronger regional collaboration to combat emerging crimes

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has urged prosecutors across Africa to strengthen regional collaboration and embrace innovation in tackling emerging crimes that increasingly transcend borders.

    Speaking at the 3rd Annual Prosecutions Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, held under the theme, Ingonga noted that modern prosecution requires both legal expertise and technological skills to effectively respond to evolving criminal networks.

    He stated that prosecutors are not only tasked with enforcing the law but also with safeguarding public trust, often while working with limited resources.

    “As the global environment is evolving, so must our approach to prosecution. The challenges we face do not just require legal expertise but also strategic foresight,” he said.

    Ingonga who is also the President of both the Africa Prosecutors Association and the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors, pointed to ongoing training efforts on transnational crimes such as terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and other organised criminal activities.

    He emphasised that only through regional mechanisms can African states dismantle complex cross-border criminal networks.

    He revealed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Human Trafficking Institute to enhance specialised training.

    The office has also established an Innovative Prosecution Performance Framework Council to develop new approaches to emerging crime, while increasing the use of forensic accounting, electronic data analysis, and prosecution-guided investigations.

    The measures, he said, have contributed to the successful prosecution of high-profile corruption and financial crime cases.

    Ingonga added that the ODPP has restructured its Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Division, equipping it to deal with crimes linked to cryptocurrency.

    He also raised concerns over child protection, describing online child sexual exploitation as an urgent crisis of the digital age.

    He explained that Kenya has established child-friendly interview rooms in regional offices and is increasingly using digital forensic evidence and pre-recorded testimonies in prosecuting cases involving child pornography, trafficking, and online abuse.

    The DPP underscored the need to ensure wellbeing of prosecutors, noting the demanding nature of their work.

    He noted the ODPP has embedded clinical officers within its structure and introduced wellness programmes under its Strategic Plan 2023–2027 to help reduce burnout and improved resilience among staff.

    “As prosecutors, we must foster a culture where mental wellness is treated with the same seriousness and case preparation. Mental wellness is not a weakness but a strategy,” he stated.

  • DPP vows action against perpetrators of violence in anti-tax protests

    DPP vows action against perpetrators of violence in anti-tax protests

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in violence and destruction of property during anti-tax protests.

    In a statement, Ingonga warned that any future acts of violence leading to loss of lives and destruction of property including critical government infrastructure such as Parliament shall be met with the full force of the law.

    “Cognizant of the loss of lives, destruction and vandalism of private and public property, and other related acts witnessed particularly on Tuesday, 25th of June 2024, these crimes cannot continue unabated,” he warned.

    The DPP directed the DCI to swiftly conclude investigations related to acts of violence and destruction of property and forward the files for further perusal and directions.

    Ingonga said individuals taking part in demonstrations and picketing must be peaceful and unarmed.

    He added that The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 protects the right of every person to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities.

    However, Ingonga reminded the public that the rights are not absolute and can be limited to protect lives and property.

    The DPP’s statement comes after last Tuesday’s anti-finance bill protests that saw parliament stormed and part of the building set on fire.