President William Ruto, on Wednesday, June 21, appointed Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli to a team of seven tasked with picking the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Also appointed to the selection panel was Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) boss Twalib Abdallah Mbarak.
Others were Mary Adhiambo Maungu, Roseline Odede, Richard Onsongo Bush Obwo and Mary Kimonye.
Solicitor General Shadrack Mose was also appointed to the team of seven.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 8 (1) of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013, L, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint the seven to be members of the Selection Panel for the Selection of Nominees for
appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions,” read the statement in part.
However, the timelines for the selection of the new DPP were not issued.
The appointment of the seven came days after former DPP Noordin Haji assumed office as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Haji took oath of office on June 14, after his successful vetting and approval by the National Assembly (NA).
Atwoli and the six-panel members are expected to interview applicants and submit the names of suitable candidates to Ruto.
Thereafter, Ruto will nominate one individual and submit the name to the NA for vetting and approval.
One of the primary responsibilities of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is to initiate criminal proceedings against individuals in a court of law.
“The DPP shall take over and continue any criminal proceedings commenced in any court (other than a court martial) that have been instituted or undertaken by another person or authority, with the permission of the person or authority,” reads part of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
