The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) now wants a dedicated team of prosecutors appointed to handle cases related to energy and petroleum offences.
This is to ensure “efficient and timely” prosecution of cases related to energy and petroleum offences.
EPRA director-general Daniel Kiptoo wants the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to appoint Cecilia Chebon, Castro Ogutu, Kenneth Kipkorir, Winny Chepngetich and Winny Cheptoo, as prosecutors.
“The appointment as dedicated public prosecutors for cases within our sector would significantly contribute to expediting the legal process, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of our joint efforts in upholding the rule of law,” Kiptoo says in a letter dated February 6, to the DPP Renson Ingonga.
According to Kiptoo, the regulator has on numerous occasions conducted enforcement activities on illegal activities in collaboration with the National Police Service and the DCI, leading to the arrest of suspects and detention of exhibits such as equipment and motor vehicles.
However, the investigations conducted by the team have faced “undue delays” in the prosecution phase, leading to suspects obtaining court orders for the release of exhibits and other evidence.
“Recognising the importance of a timely and efficient legal process, we are reaching out to seek a collaborative and productive working relationship with your esteemed office,” Kiptoo said in the letter.
The authority, he said, undertakes to partner with the DPP to train and equip the officers to prosecute offences in the energy and petroleum sub-sector.
Kiptoo said the rise of accidents related to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) further underscores the urgency of a proactive and collaborative approach, in addressing legal matters within the sub-sector.
This is now seen to point out gaps in the prosecution of the energy sector cases, as EPRA fronts its men for the job.
DPP is mandated to undertake State powers of persecution and criminal proceedings against any person before any court, concerning any offence alleged to have been committed.
EPRA on the other hand is responsible for ensuring strict compliance with energy and petroleum laws, rules and regulations.
