The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has engaged security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations in Kayole North, Embakasi Central, Nairobi, in efforts to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
The engagement focused on establishing the inaugural Policing Communities of Practice (PCoPs), a platform intended to bring together police officers, prosecutors, oversight bodies and residents to address security and justice concerns.
The Director of Public Prosecutions was represented at the meeting by Violet Kerubo Ombati, a Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (SADPP), who delivered the Office’s remarks.
Ombati said the ODPP’s mandate under Article 157 of the Constitution includes prosecuting criminal cases in the public interest, preventing the abuse of legal processes and safeguarding the rights of victims, accused persons and the wider community.
She emphasised that the administration of justice begins with interactions between police officers and members of the public, warning that mistrust, excessive force and disregard for human rights could undermine the justice process.
Ombati also outlined four prosecutorial mechanisms used by the ODPP to promote fairness and accountability: Decisions to Charge, Plea Bargaining, Diversion and Deferred Prosecution.
She urged residents to report criminal activities, volunteer as witnesses and actively engage with justice institutions to improve community safety.
The proposed Policing Communities of Practice are expected to provide a platform for continued dialogue, strengthen accountability and improve collaboration between communities and institutions responsible for law enforcement and justice.
