You'll Make Enemies- Ruto To DPP Ingonga After Being Sworn In

President William Ruto on Monday, September 25 told Renson Mulele Ingonga, the newly sworn-in Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to expect a rough ride in his new line of duty.

Speaking during Ingonga's swearing-in at State House in Nairobi, the Head of State urged the new DPP to uphold the rule of law, cautioning that his biggest headache would involve the ongoing war on corruption in the country.

“As a seasoned prosecutor, you are aware in the past that some anti-graft actions were concocted to settle scores that had nothing to do with fighting corruption.

“Kenyans hope and I hope that under your tenure the war on corruption will not be used to settle political scores, to target persons or their beliefs, or to pressure persons to abandon their rights and principles,” said Ruto.

The Head of State also told Ingonga that his office is inevitably filled with occupational hazards, urging him to ensure that non-partisan, uniform, consistent, and high-quality prosecutorial actions are always the benchmark of his office.

“You will face criticism Mr. Mulele, you will hear calls for greater accountability and transparency in your office’s decision-making. This is part and parcel of public service and state office.

"I trust that you will understand that in our vibrant democracy, Kenyans demand and deserve to receive a higher standard of service from those they have entrusted with high office, starting with me and including you,” Ruto added.

Kenyans, he stated, are determined to realize accountability for those in public offices even as he challenged him to ensure they are served equally without different standards for big fish versus small fish or sacred cows.

He at the same time, promised that the office would get the much-needed respect and independence to deliver on his mandates.

The government, he noted, will provide him with all the assistance to pursue the “sacred goal” of making Kenya a more just and safe nation for all.

Ruto also revisited his 'Mambo ni Matatu' phrase in emphasizing how important of a role DPP Ingonga has to play at every stage he is on duty.

"As you have heard, mambo ni matatu and you know one of them, it up to you to discharge. You have a duty to ensure that the property of the people of Kenya is not abused or stolen," he continued.

Ingonga who was serving as the assistant DPP prior to his appointment, takes over from Noordin Haji who is since running his role as Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

He officially assumes office as the third DPP since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010 after Keriako Tobiko and Haji.