President William Ruto, on Wednesday, June 21, appointed Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli to a team of seven tasked with picking the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Also appointed to the selection panel was Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) boss Twalib Abdallah Mbarak.
Others were Mary Adhiambo Maungu, Roseline Odede, Richard Onsongo Bush Obwo and Mary Kimonye.
Solicitor General Shadrack Mose was also appointed to the team of seven.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 8 (1) of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013, L, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint the seven to be members of the Selection Panel for the Selection of Nominees for
appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions," read the statement in part.
However, the timelines for the selection of the new DPP were not issued.
Atwoli and the other six-panel members will shortlist, interview applicants and submit the names of suitable candidates to Ruto.
Ruto will then nominate one individual and submit the name to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.
ODPP is mandated by Article 157 of the Constitution to prosecute criminal matters, direct investigation and guide the conduct of criminal investigations, monitor, train, appoint and gazette public prosecutors and facilitate victims of crime and witnesses during prosecution.
Former DPP Noordin Haji assumed office as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) on June 14, succeeding Major General Philip Kameru, who had served since 2020.
President William Ruto, who witnessed Haji's inauguration, assured the new NIS boss of government support in the execution of his duties.
"Congratulations on your appointment, Mr Noordin Haji. You have my support, and I’m looking forward to working with you as you serve the people of Kenya.
“As individuals, we are here, and tomorrow there will be others, and the best we can do is not to personalise the institution but make it better to serve the country beyond us," Ruto stated.
