DPP Renson Ingonga Elected President Of All African Prosecutors In Morocco

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Mulele Ingonga, has been unanimously elected as the President of the Africa Prosecutors' Association (APA).

According to the ODPP in a statement on Thursday, July 11, Ingonga was elected to the powerful post during the Association's 17th Annual Conference and General Meeting held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

The office termed the historic election as one that marks a significant milestone for Kenya and the entire African continent. 

"It underscores our commitment to active participation in international communities and addresses the challenges faced by prosecutors while promoting justice, enhancing cooperation, and upholding the highest standards of prosecutorial practice across Africa," the statement read in part.

DPP Renson Ingonga standing next to African flags during the 17th Annual Conference and General Meeting by the Africa Prosecutors' Association (APA). /ODPP

In his acceptance speech, the DPP expressed gratitude and a steadfast commitment to advancing the APA's goals.

"I am humbled and excited not only about this role but also the responsibility that comes with it.

"Prosecutors have a significant role in the dispensation of justice and we are joining hands on the continent to ensure this is discharged in a fair, ethical, clear and firm manner," said the DPP.

The APA, established in 2003, brings together prosecutors from diverse African countries. Its mission is to enhance cooperation, collaboration, and capacity building in the field of criminal justice.

Through training, best practice sharing, and dialogue, the APA also aims to empower prosecutors and promote the rule of law and human rights in Africa.

The DPP succeeds Egyptian Prosecutor General Hon. Counsellor Mohamed Shawqi Ayyad as the APA President. His immediate responsibilities include presiding over all association meetings and the Executive Committee.

Born in Kakamega, the senior counsel rose rapidly through the ranks landing at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), sharpening his legal skills in the process.

Since joining the rank of Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions via a Gazette Notice signed by former DPP Noordin Haji in 2022, Ingonga has travelled far and wide within Kenya running ODPP outposts.

He began as the head of the Kajiado office before moving to Kiambu and Mombasa counties, respectively and was running the North Eastern Region's office until President William Ruto nominated him on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

He is a career prosecutor who has been serving at the prosecutions office for nearly 10 years and holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws degree in International Criminal Law from the University of Cape Town. He is also a certified mediator and arbitrator.

Ingonga has extensive experience in criminal law, with a particular focus on corruption and economic crimes and is known as a passionate advocate for justice and human rights, committed to ensuring that the law is applied fairly and impartially, regardless of the circumstances.