Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga./HANDOUT
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has assured Kenyans that his office is prepared to prosecute electoral offences ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ingonga said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has established a fully-fledged division dedicated to handling electoral-related offences, with specially trained prosecutors assigned to the task.
Speaking at the Nation Leadership Forum: Decision 2027 at the University of Nairobi on Monday, the DPP warned those planning to disrupt the electoral process that they would face the full force of the law.
The DPP was speaking alongside other key stakeholders at the forum, including National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, National Cohesion and Integration Commission chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae, Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo and Editorial Director Joe Ageyo.
University of Nairobi students, activists and other stakeholders also attended the forum, which was broadcast live on NTV.
He singled out violence, hate speech, cybercrime, intimidation and other criminal activities as offences that would attract prosecution.
The forum, held a year before the next General Election, brought together key players in the electoral and governance sector to discuss whether Kenya can deliver “above-board, credible campaigns and elections.”
Ingonga said the dedicated electoral offences division would help the ODPP ensure that cases arising during the electoral period are handled in a timely and effective manner.
He, however, acknowledged challenges in prosecuting some hate speech cases, particularly those committed through digital platforms.
According to Ingonga, investigators may require access to digital evidence and confirmation from service providers, some of whom are based outside Kenya.
Despite the challenges, the DPP assured Kenyans that the ODPP would work closely with investigative agencies and other stakeholders to promote a peaceful electoral environment and ensure those who break the law are held accountable.
He also emphasised that prosecution decisions would be made independently and based on the evidence presented to the ODPP.
“The law would be applied fairly and without discrimination,” Ingonga said, stressing the independence of his office in making prosecution decisions.
