In the past three months, two witnesses in high profile criminal cases have been found dead. These deaths remain unresolved.
First was National Land Commission Deputy Communication Director Jeniffer Wambua, who was a key witness in the Sh122 million graft scandal at the Government Advertising Agency.
Then this week Wycliffe Omwenga, a star witness in the murder of his brother Kevin Omwenga, was found dead.
The two had expressed fears for their lives. This raises a fundamental question about the efficiency of the Witness Protection Agency. This is a critical institution created to promote the rule of law by offering protection to vulnerable witnesses.
Are there are lapses among key institutions in the justice sector, including the Directorate of Public Prosecution? Who is sleeping on the job? How many witnesses have been killed?
There is a direct nexus between witness protection and convictions in criminal trials. Intimidated witnesses will not testify. In fact, some would even recant their testimonies for the sake of their lives and their families'.
All justice sector players must up their game. The DCI, EACC, DPP and the Witness Protection Agency must give Kenyans confidence to confront impunity.
Indeed, without effective witness protection, big criminal cases will collapse like a house of cards.
Quote of the Day: “Crime butchers innocence to secure a throne, and innocence struggles with all its might against the attempts of crime.”
Maximilien Robespierre
The French revolutionary was executed by guillotine on July 28, 1794
