Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has assured Kenyans that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is well prepared to prosecute electoral offences ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ingonga said that the ODPP has established a fully-fledged division dedicated to handling electoral-related offences, with specially trained prosecutors assigned to ensure the timely and effective prosecution of crimes committed during the electoral period.
He warned that offences including electoral violence, hate speech, cybercrime and intimidation would attract legal action.
The DPP spoke on Monday during the Nation Leadership Forum: Decision 2027 at the University of Nairobi, held exactly one year before the next General Election.
The forum brought together key stakeholders in the electoral and governance sectors to discuss whether Kenya can deliver above-board and credible campaigns and elections.
Ingonga warned individuals who may attempt to interfere with the electoral process that they would face the full force of the law.
“The Office has established a fully-fledged division dedicated to handling electoral-related offences, supported by specially trained prosecutors to ensure timely and effective prosecution of offences committed during the electoral period.”
He identified violence, hate speech, cybercrime, intimidation and other criminal activities as some of the offences that could undermine the electoral process.
The DPP, however, acknowledged challenges in prosecuting certain hate speech offences, particularly those committed through digital platforms.
According to Ingonga, investigations into digital offences can be complicated by the need to obtain electronic evidence and confirmations from service providers operating outside Kenya.
“Prosecuting some hate speech offences, particularly those committed through digital platforms, presents challenges because investigators may require access to digital evidence and confirmation from service providers, many of whom are based outside Kenya.”
Despite the challenges, Ingonga said the ODPP would work with investigative agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the 2027 elections are conducted in a peaceful environment.
He also emphasised that individuals found to have committed electoral offences would be held accountable through the law.
The DPP stressed that prosecution decisions would be made independently and based on evidence presented to the ODPP.
“The law would be applied fairly and without discrimination, noting that prosecution decisions are made independently and on the basis of evidence presented before the Office.”
The assurances come as political parties, electoral institutions, security agencies and civil society organisations intensify preparations for the 2027 polls.
The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to examine potential challenges facing the electoral process and discuss measures that could promote credible campaigns and elections.
Ingonga was joined at the forum by National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae, Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo, Editorial Director Joe Ageyo, University of Nairobi students, activists and other stakeholders.