Lawyer Danstan Omari Joins Race to Become Director of Public Prosecutions

Lawyer Danstan Omari has joined the growing list of contenders vying to become Kenya’s next Director of Public Prosecutions. 

The position fell vacant when the former Director, Noordin Haji, was chosen to lead the National Intelligence Service. The Public Service Commission on Monday launched the selection committee to pick the new DPP. Speaking on Thursday, Omari stated that he has the necessary qualifications for the job given his extensive knowledge of the law. 

The seven-member panel is composed of Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Twalib Mbarak (CEO of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission), Mary Kimonye (Public Service PS), Francis Atwoli (Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary General), Roseline Odede (Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chairperson), Mary Adhiambo (Public Service Secretary) and Richard Obwocha. President William Ruto unveiled the panel in a Gazette Notice published on 21st June. The panel is tasked with recruiting and recommending appropriate candidates to the President for appointment. 

Omari has represented several clients in court cases ranging from causing a disturbance in protests to murder. The panel has asked qualified Kenyans to submit their applications before 12th July. Omari is currently representing Pastor Ezekiel Odero of Newlife International Prayer Centre and Church whom the state has linked to fatalities in Shakahola. He also represented former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i following his run-ins with the state over an alleged police raid at his Karen home. 

Lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who is representing Pastor Ezekiel, is among the applicant for the DPP position. Also, two of the top legal professionals, Kioko Kilokumi and Katwa Kigen, have been mentioned in relation to the position.