Executive won't interfere with ODPP’s independence – Kindiki

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed that the Executive arm of the government will not interfere with the independence of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) or any other independent institutions.

Speaking during the launch of the ODPP’s Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2027, Kindiki said the executive, led by President William Ruto will instead encourage the whole of government approach to the criminal justice system.

He reiterated that the government will do all that is within its ability to safeguard the independence of all independent institutions.

The DP added that the government will also provide the required resources to enhance the efficiency of these institutions.

“The executive is committed to providing resources, and finances allowing us to ensure that we not only enhance but also safeguard the independence and interdependence of the offices and institutions.

“President Ruto has been steadfast in his emphasis that he will not interfere with functions of independent offices but encourages a whole of government approach with the criminal justice system,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President explained that while these institutions are independent, it is only on four aspects.

He added that all other aspects apart from the four are pegged on interdependence, collaboration and cooperation with other arms of government.

This, he said, is so that the independent institutions can deliver on their missions.

“Independent institutions and offices are independent in four aspects; Decisional independence; that you have the independence to make decisions without interference from any authority or quotas. The decisions you make on who to prosecute, and which prosecution to terminate, nobody or institution should interfere with.

“Administration independence whereby the ODPP as an independent institution must run its projects and programs under the chain of command that is established. Thirdly, Financial and budgetary independence the moment you receive your resources and how you spend them nobody should interfere with that. Finally, operational autonomy, that your operations must be independent from any other quota. Beyond that, the rest of the ground calls for,” Kindiki noted.

The launch of the ODPP Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2027 was held at the Prosecution Training Institute (PTI) in Loresho, Nairobi, on Wednesday.