Ruto appoints 7 member team to recruit new DPP
The process for the recruitment of the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has begun in earnest after the seven-member panel appointed by President William Ruto was sworn into office yesterday.
Speaking during the swearing-in, Public Service Commission (PSC) chairperson Anthony Muchiri urged the members to be fair and committed to their task when recommending appropriate individuals who are qualified for the post.
“As you may already be aware, an independent office such as the DPP carries immense power and responsibility; hence, the holder of such an office needs to be selected very meticulously.”
“Kenyans expect nothing less than a process that is open, transparent, accountable, lawful and fair, that will provide a DPP who has a high degree of integrity, independent, accountable to Kenyan people and will work fairly in the discharge of his duties,” he said.
Shadrack Mose Solicitor General who is a member of the selection panel remarked that they will deliver their mandate bestowed upon them according to the law and ensure transparency and fairness in the nomination.
“The responsibility is given to us we assure you that we got what it takes to deliver it and, on the transparency, accountability, fairness, and commitment to the whole process we will do as required,” he said.
Recruitment process
Among the members include the Secretary-General of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Francis Atwoli, chairperson Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Roseline Odede, and Chief Executive Officer Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) Twalib Mbarak.
Principal Secretary Public Service, Mary Kimonye, and Bush Obwocha.
The recruitment process follows the exit of former DPP Noordin Haji, who left the position to become the new director general of the National Intelligence Service.
The Constitution of Kenya spells out the qualifications for appointment as DPP as the same as those for a judge of the High Court.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions shall hold office for a term of eight years and shall not be eligible for re-appointment,” states Article 157 clause five of the supreme law.
DPP is mandated with undertaking the prosecution of criminal matters and determines what charges should be preferred in a criminal case, among other duties.
