Prosecutors to undergo training to boost war against terrorism

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga / HANDOUT

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, says the fight against terrorism is key to the country’s stability and growth of the economy.

The DPP noted with concern that the threat of terrorism, terrorism financing, violent extremism, and radicalisation continues to pose significant risks to national security and the rule of law in the region.

Ingonga spoke while officiating a two-week pilot training for prosecutors at the Prosecution Training Institute (PTI) in Nairobi on Monday.

The training aims to provide prosecutors with the special skills and expertise required to effectively investigate, prepare and present compelling cases in court.

“Taking into account the level of responsibility involved in prosecuting terrorism-related offences, the citizens of Kenya have the right to expect that prosecutors handling such cases are highly trained, skilled, and committed,” Ingonga said.

“Further, with the evolving legal landscape and the sophisticated nature of modern crimes, prosecutors must maintain an up-to-date understanding of legislative and case-law developments both nationally and internationally. Therefore, continuous training, particularly in emerging fields such as terrorism and terrorism financing is essential.”

The program will provide prosecutors with an innovative and effective mechanism to equip prosecutors with the necessary tools to prosecute terrorism-related offences.

With support from several partners, including the British High Commission, the training will further aid prosecutors to, among other things, enhance their skills in evidence gathering, witness handling, and utilizing technology in criminal investigations.

The sessions will assist in mastering the art of drafting strong indictments, preparing compelling legal arguments, presenting evidence in court, and encouraging collaboration with international partners in investigating and prosecuting transnational terrorism.

Present at the event were acting secretary of public prosecutions Alloys Kemo and ODPP Head of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime Division Michael Sang.

Kenya has in the past decade suffered from several terrorist attacks, including at the Westgate Mall and Dusit Hotel in Nairobi, which left scores dead, dozens injured, and destruction of property worth millions of shillings.