UK-based organization Justice and Equality has called for an immediate investigation into Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, following a wave of terminated anti-corruption cases.
Sebastian Onyango, Chairman of Justice and Equality, expressed grave concerns over the DPP’s recent decisions, which the organization claims undermine the office’s mandate to fully prosecute cases. “We are deeply concerned by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ move to terminate cases under unclear circumstances. We are calling for an immediate investigation to ascertain what is happening following the mass withdrawal of graft cases,” Onyango stated.
The organization also criticized the parliamentary vetting committee for moving forward with the vetting of all cabinet secretaries nominated by President William Ruto, despite some facing corruption charges. Justice and Equality argued that nominees with pending corruption cases should be disqualified until their legal matters are resolved.
Highlighting specific concerns, Justice and Equality condemned the reappointment of Professor Kithure Kindiki as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior. They pointed to Kindiki’s controversial record during recent anti-government protests, including allegations of police brutality, forced disappearances, and a lack of accountability.
“We are appalled by the decision to reappoint the immediate former Internal Security Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Kindiki. His tenure has been marked by instances of police brutality and other serious violations. He should be declared unfit for public office anywhere in the Republic of Kenya,” Onyango declared.
Onyango also criticized Kindiki’s response to questions about police brutality, where the Cabinet Secretary suggested that state security priorities were focused on government buildings and politicians, including President Ruto. “This cannot be further from the truth. May we remind all cabinet secretaries that the sovereign in Kenya is the people of Kenya, as established by Chapter 1 of our 2010 Constitution,” Onyango emphasized.
Justice and Equality further urged President Ruto to uphold constitutional values by avoiding the appointment of opposition members to cabinet positions, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s democratic principles.
