The Criminal Justice club visits the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
By William Rui
The Criminal Justice Club, and their patron Ms. Terry Odhiambo visited the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to gain an understanding on how the organization functions within the justice system. They were warmly welcomed by Mr. Alloys Kemo, the Deputy Director, who shared information about the ODPPs mission and key team members who handle various dockets.
Mr. Victor Owiti, the Principal Prosecution Counsel, provided an overview of the ODPPs responsibilities, structure and its crucial role in ensuring justice is served. The students learned about the ODPPs dedication to prosecution, protecting interests and upholding legal standards. They also got insights into the Decision to Charge process where prosecutors evaluate evidence and public interest before proceeding with a case, plea deals and restorative justice.
Prosecution Counsel Olive Njuguna (PC) made a presentation on the UADILIFU program, the ODPP's cutting-edge digital case management system which manages productivity and openness in handling cases from start to finish. The digital platform makes it easy to access and manage cases, which improves the ODPP's overall impact.
The Principal Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Victor Owiti (PPC) spoke about balancing fair trial rights and prosecution duties. He shared his insights on the ethical issues and legal rules that guide prosecutors which helps them ensure fair trials while still seeking justice.
The DDPP, Mr. Alloys Kemo, shared challenges they have in their work, such as resource constraints, personnel shortages, fiscal limitations and strategies put in place to overcome these challenges in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the ODPP. Some of these initiatives include partnering with other governments like the US government to provide additional funding. The ODPP also talked about the career and internship opportunities for students and urged the club members to pursue careers in public prosecution for the administration of justice and protection of public interest.
During the visit, the students were able to gain an all-rounded understanding of the operations of the ODPP and how it fits within the criminal justice system. They also gained a deeper understand of the importance of a strong prosecutorial system for the dispensation of justice and highlighted the challenges experienced in such interventions. It was a very strong reminder of how important a role the ODPP plays in the criminal justice system and how continuous support and resources are required in the pursuit of justice principles.
