Grassroots Civil Society Organizations Stand with DPP

Nairobi, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

KNA by Enrica Amisi/Emma Wambui

Members of the Consortium of Grassroots Civil Society Organizations and the general public have declared their solidarity with the outgoing DPP Noordin Haji who was recently appointed by the President as head of the National Intelligence Services.

The organization stated clearly that they understand the sensitivity and importance of national security and would not like to play politics or take publicity stunts around such a delicate matter.

However, they have had to respond and object after seeing a section of the mainstream civil society play the ignorance card dismissing the appointment of Haji without understanding the nature of operations at the law courts.

While addressing the press, the Chairperson of the Consortium of Grassroots Civil Society Organizations Lawi Oyugi stated that Haji, the outgoing DPP, has been the most outstanding DPP since the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.

“Whereas many are struggling to taint the sparkling reputation of Haji that he has built over a period time dedicating his life to civil service and the general public, it must be noted that he has been the most outstanding Director of Public Prosecution Kenya has ever had ever since the promulgation of the new constitution,” Oyugi reiterated.

Oyugi further highlighted that ever since Haj's appointment as the DPP, there have been tremendous changes in court operations. “Many cases that were stagnated got a new life as they came to conclusion,” he said.

Meanwhile, with Haji as DPP, the civil society, under a programme dubbed ‘the missing voices’ organized several series of community dialogues and invited the DPP who faithfully attended the meetings and took cases from the public directly with most against powerful police officers.

“The police officers have been arrested and are now serving time,” emphasized Oyugi.

In his speech, Oyugi said Haji decriminalized touting and legal assembly that was violating the rights of many youths and civil society actors.

Besides, he added that the allegations brought against the outgoing DPP concerning the withdrawal of corruption cases are responsibilities of the DCI and the EACC to investigate and provide water tight evidences top stand trial and are not to be used for political witch-hunt as the former regime did with many state actors.

The organization has asked that relevant vetting agencies should dismiss the petitions and focus on protecting the sovereignty of the nation.