The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) says it is ready to charge those who will be involved in election-related offences before, during and after the August 9th 2022, general election.
Speaking during a sensitization forum with different stakeholders in Eldoret Town, the Deputy Director of the ODPP Rodah Ogoma also said that they will monitor elections with the help of the police.
“We are going to take action against those who will bring chaos and to those who will be hired to bring violence in this country. We as the ODPP, are ready to enhance justice for mwananchi through an efficient system,” Ogoma said, while also insisting on the need for law enforcement and investigative agencies to remain impartial and professional.
“To our investigators and law enforcing agencies, I would like to insist that successful prosecution of electoral offences is reliant on strong and impartial investigations and it’s therefore integral that we work as a team,” she added.
The forum saw different stakeholders and organizations attend including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Judiciary, the International Justice Union and regional representatives of the ODPP in Kenya.
Ogoma also urged various stakeholders to take responsibility during the elections period.
“I, therefore, urge each of you to be responsible for enhancing and ensuring that elections are free and fair, additionally, respect the fundamental human rights,” said the deputy ODPP boss.
She also challenged the investigative agencies to consider timeliness when relaying information.
“Be timely and accurate when relaying information of election-related offences and the ongoing cases in court,” Ogoma said.
The core functions of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) include prosecution of those charged by the police and other investigative agencies with criminal offences while upholding, protecting and promoting human and constitutional rights.
