It is unfortunate that gone are the days when the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was seen as one of the most respected arms of government.
Kenyans had pinned their hopes on it as a place where justice would be served without fear or favour. But under the leadership of Renson Ingonga, that trust has been deeply shaken.
Instead of standing firm on the Constitution, the DPP has repeatedly shown disregard for court decisions. Judges have declared certain sections of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to be vague and unconstitutional.
Even with those rulings, Mr Ingonga continues to charge citizens using those same invalid provisions. He seems determined to use discredited laws to silence critics, activists and online voices.
A photo of DPP boss Renson Ingonga
It is not only unlawful but also dangerous. The courts have made it clear that the charges against Rose Njeri, for example, did not meet the basic requirements of specificity under Kenyan law.
The case violated her rights to a fair trial and due process. Rather than accept this legal position, the DPP’s office pushed forward, behaving more like a political tool than a guardian of justice.
Kenya has a proud history of public debate and civic activism. Today, the digital space is where most of this discussion happens.
But with Mr Ingonga at the helm, these spaces are under threat. His office has been accused of trying to turn cyber laws into weapons against free speech. The message is simple but chilling. Speak out and you risk arrest.
A copy of Standard epaper, June 21 edition
What makes this even worse is the silence from the DPP. No explanation. No accountability. Just continued persecution under the disguise of law. Legal experts and civil society have condemned these actions, yet Mr Ingonga acts with impunity.
If the DPP no longer respects the courts, then what justice can Kenyans expect? Mr Ingonga may hold titles and foreign recognition, but back home he is fast becoming a symbol of repression. This is not what the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was created for. And Kenyans deserve far better.
