Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has assured Kenyans that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is fully prepared to prosecute electoral-related offences ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ingonga spoke during the Nation Leadership Forum: Decision 2027 held at the University of Nairobi, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the countryโs preparedness for credible and peaceful elections.
The forum, held exactly one year before the next General Election, focused on the theme: โCan Kenya Deliver Above-board, Credible Campaigns and Elections?โ
Speaking at the forum, Ingonga said the ODPP has established a fully-fledged division dedicated to handling electoral offences and has deployed specially trained prosecutors to deal with cases arising during the election period.
He said the specialised structure would help ensure that electoral offences are handled promptly and effectively.
The DPP warned individuals who may attempt to interfere with the electoral process through violence, hate speech, cybercrime, intimidation or other criminal activities that they would face the full force of the law.
Ingonga, however, acknowledged challenges in prosecuting some cases of hate speech, particularly offences committed through digital platforms.
He explained that investigations into online offences can be complicated by the need to obtain digital evidence and confirmation from service providers, some of whom operate outside Kenya.
The DPP said the ODPP would continue working closely with investigative agencies and other stakeholders to help create a peaceful environment during the 2027 electoral period.
He further stressed that prosecution decisions would be made independently, based on the evidence presented before the Office, and that the law would be applied fairly and without discrimination.
The forum brought together a range of stakeholders in Kenyaโs electoral and governance sector, including National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae, Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo and Editorial Director Joe Ageyo.
University of Nairobi students, activists and other stakeholders also participated in discussions on the countryโs preparedness for the 2027 elections.
The DPPโs assurance comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with stakeholders increasingly calling for peaceful campaigns, responsible political communication and strict adherence to electoral laws.
