Renson Ingonga appointed new DPP

By Peter Ochieng

Renson Mulele Ingonga is the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

His appointment by president William Ruto comes 7 days after his nomination was approved by Members of Parliament (MPs).

The MPs overwhelmingly backed a report by the Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs that vetted him, chaired by Tharaka MP George Murugara.

The committee recommended his appointment based on his general knowledge of public litigations, as well as his background knowledge of the operations of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Mulele exhibited his best skills to fit in the shoes of his predecessor,” said Murugara.

Until his appointment, he was the Deputy DPP. In a gazette notice dated Wednesday, 20th September, 2023, Ruto said that Ingonga will serve in the position for an eight-year term.

On 17th August, 2023, Ruto nominated Ingonga for the position of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In a communique to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, the Head of State sought the House's approval before formally appointing Ingonga as the next DPP.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order number 42, I wish to convey a message from His Excellency the President regarding nomination of a person for appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions. In the message, His Excellency the President nominates Renson Mulele Ingonga as the Director of Public Prosecutions. The President now seeks the approval of the appointee by this House,” Wetang'ula told Members of Parliament.

He was among 15 applicants shortlisted for the job by a seven-member selection panel, chaired by Solicitor General Shadrack Mose.

Other are former electoral commissioner Thomas Letangule, Taib Ali Taib and Danstan Omari, Jacinta Nyamosi, Victor Mule, Tabitha Ouya, David Ruto, Francis Andayi, Winston Ngaira, Peter Mailanyi, Lilian Okumu, Jacob Ondari, James Ndegwa and David Okachi.

Upon his swearing in, he will replace his former boss Noordin Haji, who is currently serving as the Director General, National Intelligence Service (NIS).