The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has issued a stern warning against individuals involved in political violence, promising that offenders will be prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliations.
Addressing the media, Ingonga highlighted the rising trend of organised violence at political events, describing goonism as increasingly common. He reassured the public that the Office of the DPP is working closely with key agencies, including the National Police Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.
Unified Approach to Political Violence
- Zero tolerance on goonism, regardless of government or opposition links.
- Collaboration with multiple agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders.
- Targeting politicians who make inflammatory statements inciting violence.
Ingonga emphasized that the crackdown extends to politicians whose rhetoric could provoke unrest. "We will work with the DCI and NCIC to ensure such individuals are held responsible," he said.
The DPP also appealed to political leaders and the public to maintain peace, warning against allowing a few individuals to plunge the country into lawlessness. "Kenya is our only home, and we must not allow chaos to take root," he added.
Government Backing
Ingonga's comments come shortly after President William Ruto directed security agencies to take decisive action against goons and criminal elements to safeguard the nation from violence and destruction.
President Ruto underscored the need for a firm stance on criminality, urging security forces to execute their duties within the confines of the law. "We must call out criminality for what it is and protect our country," he remarked.
This coordinated effort signals a strengthened commitment by Kenya’s leadership and law enforcement to uphold peace and security during politically charged periods.
