MOMBASA, Kenya — The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening justice, accountability, and the rule of law, as it marked a decade of collaboration with civil society actors.
Speaking at the 10-year anniversary conference of Haki Africa in Mombasa on Saturday, Secretary for Public Prosecutions Alloys Kemo, representing Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, praised the organisation’s role in advancing human rights and holding institutions accountable.
“You have been our cheerleaders for the good work we’ve done, and you have also challenged us where we fall short of your expectations. We may not be perfect, but these continuous engagements are what guide us towards achieving a better society,” Kemo said.
Justice and Development Link
Kemo emphasised that the ODPP’s work is anchored on the principle that justice and development are inseparable, noting that public confidence in the rule of law remains central to Kenya’s democratic framework.
He said the prosecution body operates within established legal and policy frameworks, including the Decision to Charge Guidelines, which are designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and accountability in prosecutorial decisions.
“The law must apply equally to all, regardless of status,” he added, underscoring the need for impartiality in the justice system.
Civil Society Partnership
The event brought together civil society organisations, development partners, and community representatives to reflect on a decade of advocacy and collaboration in promoting justice and accountability.
Haki Africa Executive Director Yusuf Abubakar highlighted the organisation’s partnership with the ODPP in addressing issues such as terrorism, radicalisation, and allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement.
He noted that these engagements have contributed to the adoption of more human rights-based approaches, including “soft strategies” when working with state actors.
Abubakar also acknowledged improvements within the ODPP, particularly in decision-making processes related to charging suspects.
Decade of Advocacy
Haki Africa Board Chairperson Najya Mohammed said the organisation has played a key role in addressing human rights violations and advocating for vulnerable communities over the past ten years.
She pointed to sustained interventions in areas such as justice access and accountability, which have shaped policy discussions and institutional reforms.
Looking Ahead
The anniversary event culminated in the launch of Haki Africa’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, outlining priorities for the next phase of its work in advancing human rights and strengthening governance frameworks.
As Kenya continues to navigate complex governance and security challenges, stakeholders at the forum stressed that sustained dialogue and institutional transparency remain key pillars in building public trust in the justice system.
