Remarks · 25 September 2023
• The Deputy President • Your Ladyship the Chief Justice • Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Bwana DPP, Congratulations!
The Oath you have taken today before God and man places an extraordinary burden of responsibility on your capable shoulders. It is a solemn commitment to serve with fidelity, to pursue justice without fear or favour, and to uphold the rule of law in every decision you take.
The Director of Public Prosecutions is not just a prosecutor; you are a defender of justice, a protector of the vulnerable, and a voice for those who are all too often voiceless. Your position is meant to ensure that prosecutions are initiated and conducted all in a manner consistent with the values and principles the Kenyans hold dear.
The role of the DPP sits at the intersection of investigations and judicial processes. Thus, your success is dependent on the synergy you build with all other actors in the Criminal Justice System. And that is why I am most pleased to note that today; we have the entire membership of the National Council of Administrative of Justice, members that share in the burden of responsibility of ensuring that justice is truly our shield and defender.
The presence of so many other State Offices at this Ceremony shows that you have the support and goodwill of every key actor within our Criminal Justice System.
You assume office at a unique time in our nation’s history. The people of Kenya are resolute in the need to realize accountability for those entrusted with public offices at all levels of Government, and within all our arms of Government.
Corruption is amongst one of the challenges facing Kenya today. This is because Corruption is a significant barrier to the realization of our shared aspirations as a nation because it breeds inequity, and leads us to losing huge amounts of public resources.
As a seasoned prosecutor, you are aware that in the past some anti-graft actions were concocted to settle scores that had nothing to do with fighting corruption. Kenyans hope that under your tenure the war on corruption will not be used to settle political scores, to target persons for their beliefs, or to pressure persons to abandon their rights and principles.
It is your duty, as the head of the ODPP, to ensure that nonpartisan, uniform, consistent, and high-quality prosecutorial actions are always the benchmark of your office.
Without fear or favour, without different standards for big fish versus small fish, without avoiding actions against so called sacred cows; you have been mandated by Kenyans to ensure that justice rains on all equally.
You have the support of the Executive and every State Organ, of both tiers and all three arms of Government, and of the millions of Kenyans who are looking up to you with hope and expectation. We will respect and uphold the independence of your Office, and provide you with all the assistance we can as you pursue the sacred goal of making Kenya a more just and safe nation for all.
You will face criticism; you will hear calls for greater accountability and transparency in your Office’s decision making. This is part and parcel of public service and State Office. I trust that you will understand that in our vibrant democracy Kenyans demand and deserve to receive a higher standard of service from those they have entrusted with high office, starting with me and including you.
As you begin your tenure, remember that you are not alone. You have a nation standing firmly behind you, supporting your every effort to ensure that the law is justly administered and that the rights of all are respected. May your tenure as the Director of Public Prosecutions be marked by triumphs of justice, and may you stand as an inspiring example of integrity and dedication to duty.
May the Almighty God of All Creation Bless Your Every Action, And Through You and All Your Colleagues, Bless The Nation and People of Kenya. Thank you.