NAIROBI, Kenya – Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has defended his office against accusations of selectively dropping corruption cases, insisting that such decisions are guided purely by evidence and the need to protect public resources.
Speaking on Friday, Ingonga said his office cannot pursue cases that do not meet the evidential threshold for conviction, warning that forcing weak prosecutions could expose taxpayers to billions of shillings in compensation claims.
“Some charge sheets may have the right particulars, but the figures are often exaggerated. Someone may claim KSh1 billion was stolen, but when we review the evidence, it may only support KSh3 million,” he explained, citing a past case where inflated figures presented by investigators could not hold in court.
Calls Out Investigators
The DPP urged investigative agencies, particularly the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), to conduct thorough investigations before forwarding files to his office.
He accused the commission of presenting flawed evidence that undermines the fight against graft.
“If you follow some of the cases, you’ll find we review them and correct the figures. It would be wrong to insist someone stole an amount that cannot be supported by actual evidence,” Ingonga said.
The DPP’s office has in recent months come under criticism for withdrawing several high-profile corruption-related cases, sparking speculation about selective prosecution and political interference.
Protecting Public Funds
Ingonga argued that withdrawing cases early, when doubts emerge, is in the public interest.
He said forcing trials likely to end in acquittals not only weakens public confidence but also exposes the state to costly lawsuits.
“You should ask the DPP what the advantage is of withdrawing a case as opposed to going to full trial, when I know very well this is an acquittal. After an acquittal, that person can sue the state for malicious prosecution. But when you withdraw before, you can’t sue for malicious prosecution,” he said.
Legal Tensions
The DPP and EACC have clashed in court over several cases, raising questions about coordination in the anti-graft war.
Ingonga emphasized that his office only approves charges that investigators can prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
“We lose billions in compensation after acquittals. Withdrawing cases that lack evidence protects both the public interest and the integrity of the justice system,” he stated.
