Speaker Wetang'ula hosts DPP, lays emphasis on upholding rule of law

By Peter Ochieng

National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang'ula has challenged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to uphold the rule of law in carrying out his mandate.

The Speaker spoke on Wednesday when he hosted the DPP at his office, at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.

He congratulated Ingonga on what he said was his well-deserved eight-year appointment.

The former Bungoma Senator used the opportunity to emphasise the crucial role of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), in upholding the rule of law.

"We live in separated spheres of influence under the constitution. You prosecute the good the bad and the ugly in equal measure," said the Speaker.

The Speaker reminded the DPP about high-profile arrests receiving extensive media attention, but not leading to successful prosecutions.

He said that undermined the credibility of the ODPP, urging Ingonga to prioritise effective and quality prosecutions.

On his part, the DPP raised issues on his office's financial challenges, as the ODPP operates within a budget of only Sh3.5 billion per year.

He said the budget falls short of the demands placed upon him, and his officers, as his office grapples with understaffing.

"We need to be at par with the Judiciary, we are understaffed, and we need to have enough prosecutors but we have been unable to hire due to budget constraints, we operate with a budget of Sh3.5 billion," said the DPP.

Speaker Wetang'ula encouraged him to work closely with parliament especially the budget Committee, to advocate for increased resources and better working conditions for his team.

The Majority Whip, Silvanus Osoro, emphasised on the need for Ingonga to make a significant impact during his tenure, especially in corruption cases, to ensure thorough prosecutions.