Prosecution Office Opens New Division For Election Offences As 2027 Polls Near
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) announced that it has established a dedicated division to prosecute electoral offences ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to DPP Renson Ingonga, the new division has specially trained prosecutors to deal with election-related crimes.
“The ODPP has established a fully-fledged division dedicated to handling electoral-related offences, supported by specially trained prosecutors to ensure timely and effective prosecution of offences committed during the electoral period,” read a statement.
The announcement was made during a forum at the University of Nairobi on Monday, August 10.
The forum brought together political stakeholders to discuss whether the country will be able to conduct credible and peaceful campaigns and elections next year.
The Director warned that individuals involved in violence, hate speech, intimidation, cybercrime, and other disruptive offences during the electoral period would face prosecution.
Additionally, he disclosed that the ODPP would work with investigative agencies and other institutions to ensure electoral offences are addressed.
Ingonga said the ODPP was working with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the National Police Service (NPS) in dealing with electoral malpractices ahead of the polls.
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However, the DPP identified delayed reporting of offences as a challenge that could affect investigations and prosecution.
Currently, the NCIC handles matters involving hate speech and inflammatory statements before completed investigations are forwarded to the ODPP for a decision on prosecution.
Ingonga explained that the ODPP receives cases after investigations are completed.
This means that delays at the reporting and investigation stages can affect the prosecution process.
His remarks come as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) steps up its scrutiny of electoral conduct.
IEBC has also begun seeking Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits, ballot papers, and other election materials as preparations for the August 10, 2027 General Election gather pace.
Prosecution Office Opens New Division For Election Offences As 2027 Polls Near
