Renson Ingonga: DPP Nominee Reveals Source Of Ksh300M Net Worth

The JLAC Committee chaired by George Murugara was vetting him on his suitability for the post.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Aug 31, 2023 - 15:12 Updated: Aug 31, 2023 - 15:13
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Renson Ingonga: DPP Nominee Reveals Source Of Ksh300M Net Worth
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) nominee Renson Mulele Ingonga. /VIRALTEAKE

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) nominee Renson Mulele Ingonga on Thursday, August 31 declared his estimated net worth at Ksh300 million.

Appearing for vetting before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Ingonga disclosed that the millions are derived from a house he lives in as well as land property.

The JLAC Committee chaired by George Murugara was vetting him on his suitability for the post. Parliament is mandated by the Constitution to conduct the approval hearing of a nominee for the position and is expected to report back to the House within 21 days.

Members will then debate on the submitted report to either adopt or reject the nomination. Should the report be adopted, Ingonga will become the third officeholder under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

DPP nominee Renson Mulele Ingonga being vetted by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on August 31, 2023. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

He will succeed Noordin Haji who was appointed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General. A DPP holds office for a term of eight years which is not renewable upon its expiry.

Coincidentally, when Haji, Ingonga's potential successor, was being vetted for the post of NIS DG, he left Members of Parliament (MP) scratching their heads by declining to reveal his net worth.

Wealth declaration is anchored by the Public Officer Ethics Act of 2003, which states that every public officer must make financial declarations of incomes, assets and liabilities.

How Ingonga Rose To DPP Nominee

Ingonga, out of 15 individuals who were shortlisted for the top job, was among the least-known names, only rising to national prominence when President Ruto nominated him.

In fact, his only mention in the national space was in January 2016 when he applied for the position of judge of the Environment and Land Court but was not shortlisted. However, as he was admitted as an advocate in April 2005, legal minds might have an idea of who he is.

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 Ruto nominated him on Thursday, August 17.

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. 

If approved by Parliament, Ingonga will be tasked with making the decision to charge and determine what charges should be preferred in a criminal case. He will be expected to perform the following functions;

  1. To institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law other than a court martial in respect of any offences alleged to have been committed by that person;
  2. To take over and continue any criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by another person or authority;
  3. To discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered on any criminal proceedings;
  4. To direct investigation and guide the conduct of criminal investigations;
  5. To handle matters relating to international relations including extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance(MLA);
  6. To advise government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and County Governments on matters pertaining to the development and application of criminal law;
  7. To monitor, train, appoint and gazette public prosecutors;
  8. To facilitate victims of crime and witnesses during prosecution;
  9. To contribute and influence policy, procedure and law reform; and to address complaints raised by ODPP clients that are within the office's mandate.

The Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). /ODPP