The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have renewed their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at enhancing police accountability and safeguarding human rights.
During a strategic meeting held on Monday in Kenya’s North Eastern region, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (SADPP) Bonny Okemwa welcomed a delegation of IPOA officials led by Commissioner Dr. Micah Onyiego and Regional Head Tim Nzomu. The discussion focused on strengthening coordination in investigations and bolstering efforts to ensure police officers adhere to human rights standards while performing their duties.
Okemwa emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations that respect due process and fundamental rights. “The role of the police is to protect, not harm. Prosecutors and investigators must work hand in hand to ensure justice is served for victims of police misconduct,” he stated.
Both agencies committed to regular joint trainings to enhance the technical capacity of prosecutors and IPOA investigators, particularly in handling complex cases involving police misconduct. These sessions will aim to ensure consistency in investigations and prosecutions, improving the quality of evidence and legal arguments presented in court.
The two institutions also discussed integrating alternative justice mechanisms such as diversion and plea bargaining into their handling of select cases. These approaches are seen as avenues to reduce case backlogs and deliver justice more efficiently, while maintaining fairness and accountability.
The renewed partnership has already borne fruit. According to the ODPP, over 50 convictions have been secured in cases involving unlawful killings and serious violations by police officers. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of the ongoing collaboration.
The ODPP reaffirmed its independent role in reviewing investigation files submitted by IPOA and determining whether to proceed with prosecutions. This function is critical in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that rogue officers are held accountable.
The strengthened cooperation between ODPP and IPOA represents a significant step toward building a more accountable police service and restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system.
