DPP Tobiko sets up Wildlife Crimes Unit
Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko at a past function. The DPP has set up a Wildlife Crimes Prosecution Unit. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- The unit will be headed by the Deputy DPP, Mr Kioko Kamula
- The unit has 35 Prosecutors
- The team reviewing the new law on the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act
A team of prosecutors has been formed to help curb rising cases of poaching, DPP Keriako Tobiko has said.
The unit, that will be headed by the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Kioko Kamula, has 35 Prosecutors who have undergone specialist training.
They are expected to provide prosecutorial services for all offences committed contrary to the recently enacted Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013.
Officers drawn from the unit are also part of a team reviewing the new law on the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act and are expected to propose suitable amendments to facilitate its efficient application.
JOINT TRAINING
“As the world celebrates the World Wildlife Day today (Monday), the ODPP wishes to reaffirm its commitment towards protection of our wildlife, which is our national heritage,” Mr Tobiko said.
The DPP said he is committed to work with all State and non-State actors in the wildlife conservation and criminal justice sectors to ensure that the law is applied against offenders.
A working committee with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has also been set up to coordinate investigation and prosecution processes as well as conduct joint trainings.
A standard operating procedure (SoP) manual for the prosecution of wildlife crimes was shared with all stakeholders at the second National Dialogue on wildlife crimes.
