Nairobi — The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Renson Ingonga has strongly defended his office's current move to withdraw high-profile cases just before acquittal.
Speaking during the International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against journalists, Thursday Ingonga stated that the move to withdraw certain cases before the acquittal process is aimed to save taxpayers money.
"Until I was appointed as the DPP I was a Prosecutor. If I find that a journalist has been wrongly charged the only thing I can do is to withdraw the charges! When some cases are withdrawn before the acquittal process, they are withdrawn to save taxpayers money," he said.
Igonga who was appointed as the new DPP in September by President William Ruto criticized misreporting of court cases stories by the media urging journalists to always disseminate factual information in order to help citizens to understand.
"Investigations are a continuous process even when those charged are taken to court. There are serious reasons as to why my office drops cases. We don't just withdraw a case! As the media explain to the common 'mwananchi' why a certain case has been withdrawn," he added.
DPP Ingonga noted that crimes against journalists continue to be committed despite several measures undertaken to protect the lives of journalists in the course of their duties stating that his office will ensure such crimes are investigated expeditiously and those found culpable prosecuted according to the law.
"The ODPP is committed to upholding the fundamental freedoms and rights of journalists in the course of their duties. I undertake to ensure that crimes against journalists are not only expeditiously prosecuted but I will also endeavor to hold those found culpable to account no matter their status in society, "said Igonga.
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The DPP stated that in order to end impunity for crimes against journalists and ensure a transparent and accountable system, his office will pursue strategies that foster close collaboration with Media Stakeholders in the country.
He added that the ODPP Public Affairs and Corporate Communication Division will be revamped to provide a platform for dissemination of information regarding investigation and prosecution of crimes against Journalists.
Ingonga also directed the Media Council Of Kenya to deal with journalists involved in instances of dissemination, misinformation and disinformation.
Wanyama Chebusiri a communication strategist and a member of the Kenya Editors Guild emphasized the need for media literacy stating that there is an emerging trend where the society is against the Media.
"People in the Society are beginning to lose faith with the Media. Some journalists were being beaten and threatened while covering demonstrations. Others have been branded and affiliated to certain political divides," said Chebusiri.
