The Director of Public Prosecutions Mulele Ingonga Thursday called for the strengthening of civic responsibility, national cohesion, and active citizenship as Kenya prepares for the August 2027 General Elections.
Speaking during the launch of the Mimi ni Mkenya initiative, Ingonga described the initiative as both timely and necessary, noting that it comes at a critical point in the country’s democratic journey.
He emphasized that fostering an informed and engaged citizenry is essential to safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s electoral processes.
The DPP expressed appreciation to the Nation Media Group for spearheading the initiative, commending their role in shaping public discourse and promoting democratic values.
He underscored that the objectives of Mimi Mkenya align with key provisions of the Constitution, particularly Article 10 on national values and principles of governance, Article 38 on political rights, and Article 81 on the conduct of free and fair elections.
According to the DPP, these constitutional safeguards must be upheld not only during elections but throughout the entire electoral cycle.
“Free, fair, and credible elections are the cornerstone of any democracy. However, their integrity is not only determined at the ballot box, but by our collective conduct before, during, and after the electoral process,” Ingonga stated.
He reiterated that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), remains firmly committed to ensuring accountability for electoral offences.
These include electoral violence, hate speech, incitement, and the spread of false information.
Drawing from past electoral experiences, the DPP warned that election-related offences are increasingly evolving, particularly with the rise of digital platforms. He noted that hate speech and incitement are now often disseminated through coded language and subtle expressions of ethnic contempt online, posing new challenges to law enforcement agencies.
To address these emerging threats, the ODPP has initiated a review of legislative frameworks aimed at strengthening the prosecution of election-related crimes. Proposed reforms include expanding offences under the National Cohesion and Integration Act and tackling emerging issues such as organized political violence.
Ingonga further highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that the ODPP continues to work closely with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, National Police Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Through joint trainings, capacity-building programs, and coordinated operations, these institutions are enhancing preparedness ahead of the 2027 polls.
Despite the critical role of institutions, the DPP emphasized that the success of electoral justice ultimately rests with citizens. He described the Mimi Mkenya initiative as a powerful platform for promoting civic awareness and responsibility.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires participation, vigilance, and responsibility,” he said, urging Kenyans to embrace the initiative’s “Each One Teach One” approach by becoming ambassadors of peace, defenders of truth, and champions of lawful conduct.
He also linked the initiative to ongoing voter registration drives such as the Tuko Kadi Movement, stressing the need for civic education to accompany voter mobilization. According to him, every registered voter must not only exercise their right to vote but also uphold peace, reject incitement, and report unlawful activities.
The ODPP, he added, remains committed to a people-centered and transformative prosecution service that goes beyond enforcement to include prevention through public awareness, partnerships, and engagement.
He called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, the media, civil society, and development partners, to strengthen collaboration in public sensitization, early warning systems, and accountability mechanisms.
“The Mimi Mkenya initiative is more than a campaign, it is a clarion call to choose unity over division, truth over misinformation, and justice over impunity,” he said.
“Let each one of us rise to that call.”
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