Ingonga outlines legal measures with IEBC to secure credible 2027 polls
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has outlined legal and operational measures the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) will pursue to support peaceful and credible elections in 2027. Speaking during a high-level roundtable on election security at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel on September 2, 2026, Ingonga said the ODPP would work with the […]
Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has detailed legal and operational steps the ODPP intends to take to ensure transparent, secure elections in 2027. Speaking at a high-level roundtable on election security in Nairobi, Ingonga emphasized that the ODPP would collaborate with IEBC, the National Police Service, and other justice sector entities.
He referenced Article 81 of the Constitution, which mandates elections free from violence, intimidation, undue influence, and corruption. Ingonga highlighted the responsibility of the IEBC to maintain a violence-free and unmanipulated election environment while underscoring the role of other institutions in upholding electoral integrity.
Key risks identified for the 2027 elections include political violence, targeted gender-based violence, and the proliferation of online disinformation. The DPP called for safeguarding the digital space, citing the rising threat of political violence, gender-based violence, and the unchecked spread of online disinformation. The ODPP has challenged the constitutional validity of Sections 22 and 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act at the Supreme Court.
The office is also working with Parliament to address statutory gaps affecting the prosecution of public order offences. Ingonga revealed the ODPP is amending the Penal Code, particularly provisions related to incitement to violence and creating a disturbance likely to cause a breach of the peace, to align with constitutional standards.
The ODPP operates in all 47 Kenyan counties, allowing prosecutors to address election-related offences nationwide. The DPP plans to use its Decision to Charge Guidelines when assessing election-related cases and will conduct capacity-building programs for prosecution counsel on electoral offences, alongside joint training sessions with the IEBC and other partners.
Ingonga emphasized the need for ongoing coordination among institutions responsible for electoral, security, and justice processes in preparing for the 2027 General Election.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
