The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji on Wednesday, April 6, addressed claims that his office had favoured some candidates in the shortlisting of candidates in its latest recruitment drive.
In a statement issued by Haji's Chief of Staff Lilian Obuo, the ODPP denied claims of favouritism explaining that the recruitment did not consider religion or tribe as a requirement.
The top prosecutor insisted that the Human Resource Advisory Committee followed the laid down procedure and criteria in shortlisting candidates.
Haji's office added that some of the names that were purported to belong to a certain community actually had religious names but hailed from different communities.
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, the ODPP released the names of all the applicants and shortlisted candidates - and published the candidates' respective and religious affiliations.
"Contrary to the recent misleading statements, the committee adhered to the set-out criteria in shortlisting of qualified candidates. The members took into consideration our national values and only shortlisted candidates who met the requirements set out in the advertisement," the statement read in part.
Haji's office noted that while his office received numerous applications for the jobs advertised, some special considerations were made to accommodate communities that are under-represented in the directorate.
"Special consideration was given to persons who are currently least represented at the ODPP, applicants from marginalized areas and persons with disabilities.
"We must recruit, retain, and develop diverse talent from each of Kenya's 47 counties, including marginalised communities, with a variety of backgrounds, skills and capabilities," the letter explained.
The ODPP insisted that there was transparency in the process. Dispelling the religious biases claims, it revealed that of the 148 shortlisted candidates, 103 were Christians while 43 were Muslims.
Haji's statement comes a day after an activist moved to court to compel the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to probe DPP Haji over an alleged abuse of office in the recent recruitment process.
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