Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga during the launch of IEBC 2022 Pre-Election Dispute
Resolution Report and Case Digest in Nairobi on July 9, 2026/ODPP/X
The Directorr of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has constituted a special Elections Preparedness Committee (EPC) to coordinate the investigation and prosecution of election-related offences ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ingonga said the committee, headed by the Secretary Prosecution Services, will work closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the National Police Service (NPS) and other key institutions to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
He said the committee will handle cases involving breaches of the Election Offences Act and help create a safe, secure and conducive electoral environment for all political players regardless of their affiliation.
Speaking Thursday, July 8, during the launch of the IEBC 2022 Pre-Election Dispute Resolution Report and Case Digest in Nairobi, Ingonga said electoral justice extends beyond resolving disputes and includes prosecuting criminal conduct that undermines free, fair and credible elections.
He noted that the Constitution grants the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions independent authority to institute criminal proceedings, while the Election Offences Act empowers it to direct investigations and prosecute election crimes.
“"Electoral justice becomes a criminal justice issue where conduct undermines the freedom, fairness and integrity of elections. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will independently prosecute election offences in the public interest," Ingonga said.
According to Ingonga, offences that threaten electoral integrity include voter bribery, undue influence, personation, violence, intimidation, misuse of public resources, unlawful interference with election technology, dissemination of false information, obstruction of election officials and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The DPP said the committee's collaboration with the IEBC and other agencies is aimed at ensuring offenders are held accountable while protecting public confidence in elections.
Ingonga also outlined three priorities that institutions must address as the country prepares for future elections.
He said agencies should strengthen referral pathways between administrative findings and criminal investigations, preserve digital and documentary evidence at the earliest opportunity, and improve public communication to enhance confidence in electoral justice.
"Trust is built not only through decisions made, but through decisions understood," he said while urging institutions to work together in safeguarding democratic processes.
The DPP commended the IEBC for documenting lessons from the 2022 electoral cycle through the dispute resolution report, saying the publication provides an opportunity to assess what worked, identify institutional weaknesses and strengthen the country's electoral justice system before the next polls.
He noted that during the 2022 election period, the IEBC heard and determined 325 pre-election complaints within just nine days, demonstrating the immense pressure on institutions to deliver timely justice within strict constitutional timelines.
Ingonga reaffirmed the ODPP's commitment to working with the IEBC, the National Police Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (OPDT), the Judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure electoral justice remains timely, credible and people-centred.
He said the strength of Kenya's democracy will ultimately be measured not only by how citizens vote, but also by how effectively institutions protect the integrity of the vote and uphold the Constitution.
