Lobby group gives DPP 14 days to prosecute corrupt officials or face ouster

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga. [File, Standard] The lobby group, Justice and Equity Council has given a 14-day ultimatum to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, to prosecute corrupt government officials or face a petition for removal from office. In a press statement delivered in Nairobi on Monday, the group decried what it termed as the "continued betrayal of the Kenyan people" by the DPP and called for swift action against entrenched corruption and impunity. "We have given the government 14 days to act on the prosecution of all corrupt state officials," said Justice and Equity Council Chairperson Sebastian Onyango. "At the end of 14 days, we will file a formal petition to remove DPP Renson Ingonga from office for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and dereliction of constitutional duty." The organisation condemned what it described as "fraudulent plea bargains" and "selective justice," alleging that Mr Ingonga has sabotaged several high-profile graft cases, and colluded with powerful individuals to frustrate justice. "The Office of the DPP, meant to safeguard justice and protect citizens from impunity, has now become a shield for looters of public funds," said Onyango. "By reducing the Sh1.9 billion Migori heist involving former Governor Okoth Obado and his family to a mere Sh235 million plea bargain deal (out of court settlement), the DPP has openly trampled on the principles of justice and accountability," added Janet Sutton, the Council's Secretary. The group also named other senior figures allegedly protected from prosecution, including a former Kakamega governor, describing the pattern as a "deliberate betrayal of the Constitution." "Instead of defending the public interest, Mr Ingonga has withdrawn prosecutions without explanation and protected politically connected individuals. These actions amount to gross abuse of office and deliberate betrayal of the constt," Onyango said. "We state clearly: Enough is enough. The era when politicians looted public coffers and escaped accountability under political or tribal protection is over. Should Mr Igonga persist in undermining the fight against corruption, we shall mobilize and file a petition for his immediate investigation, removal from office, and prosecution for abuse of office, the lobby group chairperson stated. The Council also raised the alarm over the worsening economic conditions in the country, which they attributed to systemic corruption and poor governance. "The Kenyan economy is at a critical juncture," the statement read. "Our nation is grappling with unprecedented economic hardships, fuelled by runaway corruption, mismanagement of public resources, and disregard for the rule of law by those entrusted with upholding it." The Council took issue with President William Ruto's recent directive to form a multi-agency anti-corruption team, terming the move unnecessary and unconstitutional. "We categorically reject the formation of new agencies. Kenya does not need additional, unnecessary organs when we have constitutionally mandated bodies like the EACC and DCI. What we need is enforcement, not bureaucracy," Onyango stated. The group demanded that EACC intensifies its operations and act without fear or favor. They further urged DCI to expedite investigations and ensure all culpable individuals face justice regardless of their social standing. "DPP Ingonga must stop obstructing prosecutions and cease offering protection to the corrupt," the council said. Further, the Council announced its intention to hold accountable all state officials, including security bosses, who fail to uphold their constitutional responsibilities. "Every state official must have a duty and responsibility to function in their offices properly and must be held accountable for the same," Onyango declared. "Let it be clear: the time for accountability has come. Incompetence and impunity shall no longer be tolerated." The Justice and Equity Council also called on the Speakers of Parliament to involve the EACC in investigating corruption claims. Should the claims be unfounded, they urged that impeachment proceedings be initiated against the President for allegedly misleading the public. In an unflinching warning, the Council vowed to mobilize the public and civil society if no action is taken within the two-week deadline. "Kenya belongs to its people, not to looters and their protectors. The time for decisive action is now," the statement states.

Lobby group gives DPP 14 days to prosecute corrupt officials or face ouster

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Lobby group gives DPP 14 days to prosecute corrupt officials or face ouster

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