NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the Executive will respect the independence of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and other autonomous institutions.
Speaking at the launch of the ODPP’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan in Nairobi on Wednesday, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding institutional autonomy while fostering collaboration within the criminal justice system.
“The Executive, under the leadership of President William Ruto, is steadfast in ensuring no interference with independent offices,” Kindiki said during the event at the Prosecution Training Institute in Loresho. “We will instead encourage a whole-of-government approach to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.”
Kindiki outlined four key areas of independence that the ODPP and similar institutions must safeguard: decisional independence, administrative autonomy, financial independence, and operational autonomy.
He stressed that these pillars enable the ODPP to carry out its mandate without external influence.
“Decisions on who to prosecute, terminate prosecutions, or run administrative programs must remain solely within the purview of the ODPP,” he said. “Once resources are allocated, their utilization must also remain free from interference.”
Despite this autonomy, the Deputy President pointed out that these institutions cannot operate in isolation.
Beyond the four key areas, they must collaborate and cooperate with other arms of government to effectively deliver justice.
Kindiki also highlighted the Executive’s role in providing resources to strengthen these institutions. “Our commitment is not only to safeguard their independence but to equip them with the necessary tools to thrive.”
The ODPP’s new strategic plan focuses on enhancing its prosecutorial capacity, training programs, and inter-agency collaboration over the next four years.
The launch marked a milestone in the ODPP’s journey to adapt to emerging legal challenges and align its operations with global standards.
This renewed commitment comes amid public scrutiny over the independence of key institutions and their ability to uphold justice free from political influence.
Speaking at the launch of the ODPP’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan in Nairobi on Wednesday, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding institutional autonomy while fostering collaboration within the criminal justice system.
“The Executive, under the leadership of President William Ruto, is steadfast in ensuring no interference with independent offices,” Kindiki said during the event at the Prosecution Training Institute in Loresho. “We will instead encourage a whole-of-government approach to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.”
Kindiki outlined four key areas of independence that the ODPP and similar institutions must safeguard: decisional independence, administrative autonomy, financial independence, and operational autonomy.
He stressed that these pillars enable the ODPP to carry out its mandate without external influence.
“Decisions on who to prosecute, terminate prosecutions, or run administrative programs must remain solely within the purview of the ODPP,” he said. “Once resources are allocated, their utilization must also remain free from interference.”
Despite this autonomy, the Deputy President pointed out that these institutions cannot operate in isolation.
Beyond the four key areas, they must collaborate and cooperate with other arms of government to effectively deliver justice.
Kindiki also highlighted the Executive’s role in providing resources to strengthen these institutions. “Our commitment is not only to safeguard their independence but to equip them with the necessary tools to thrive.”
The ODPP’s new strategic plan focuses on enhancing its prosecutorial capacity, training programs, and inter-agency collaboration over the next four years.
The launch marked a milestone in the ODPP’s journey to adapt to emerging legal challenges and align its operations with global standards.
This renewed commitment comes amid public scrutiny over the independence of key institutions and their ability to uphold justice free from political influence.
