Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has cautioned young people against engaging in financial and digital crimes, warning that actions they may consider harmless could expose them to criminal liability.
Speaking during a community dialogue hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Riruta, Nairobi, Ingonga urged the youth to exercise caution when using digital platforms and handling financial transactions.
He warned against online fraud, identity theft, cyber harassment, digital extortion and the misuse of artificial intelligence to create manipulated images, videos and audio recordings.
Ingonga stressed that while technology offers opportunities for communication and innovation, its misuse can cause harm and attract legal consequences. He added that efforts to combat cybercrime must respect constitutional protections, including the rights to privacy and freedom of expression.
The forum brought together members of the public and representatives of key Criminal Justice System institutions, including the Judiciary, National Police Service (NPS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). Human rights activists also participated in the engagement.
Held under the ODPP’s Chapa Gumzo na Prosecutor initiative, the dialogue sought to strengthen relations between justice sector institutions and communities by creating a platform for citizens to share experiences, raise concerns and discuss challenges affecting the administration of justice.
Ingonga said the initiative was designed to bring justice institutions closer to the public, demystify prosecution processes and promote greater understanding of how the justice system operates.
He emphasised that the ODPP’s constitutional mandate goes beyond securing convictions, encompassing the protection of victims, respect for the rights of accused persons and ensuring that prosecution decisions are guided by evidence, the public interest and the Constitution.
“Justice cannot remain confined to courtrooms, legal documents and institutional offices. Haki lazima iwe karibu na mwananchi. Na sauti ya mwananchi lazima isikike,” he said.
The DPP also called on communities to break the culture of silence surrounding gender-based violence, sexual offences and crimes against children, urging members of the public to report suspected abuse and support survivors.
He further advocated for a balanced approach to drug-related offences, noting the importance of combining prosecution with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation where appropriate.
International Justice Mission Kenya Country Manager Vincent Chahale commended the community engagement, highlighting the importance of public awareness and accountability in making justice accessible, fair and responsive to the needs of vulnerable people.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission Commissioner Jerusah Mwaathime urged young people to resist recruitment into criminal gangs, reject ethnic mobilisation and avoid sharing social media content that incites violence or public disorder.
Mwaathime’s remarks underscored concerns about the role of young people in promoting peaceful coexistence, particularly in an environment where online platforms can rapidly spread divisive messages and inflammatory content.
Meanwhile, IPOA Chairperson Duncan Ojwang emphasised that public confidence was essential to effective police oversight, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to independent and impartial investigations.
“We remain independent and committed to impartial investigations as we monitor, investigate and audit police activities,” Ojwang said.
Probation Services Secretary Shadrack Kyego highlighted the role of rehabilitation and community support in preventing reoffending, stressing the importance of helping offenders reintegrate into society.
The dialogue highlighted the need for closer cooperation between justice institutions and the public in addressing crime, protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening accountability.
Through the Chapa Gumzo na Prosecutor initiative, the ODPP continues to provide a platform for community engagement, with the aim of improving public understanding of the justice system and encouraging citizens to play an active role in promoting the rule of law.
