A coalition of powerful civil society lobby groups has drawn a line in the sand, demanding immediate transparency from the government regarding a series of high-profile appointments within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The furore centers on the publication of a shortlist for the position of Principal Prosecution Counsel, which activists claim is riddled with irregularities and reeks of backroom deal-making. The groups, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and transparency watchdogs, argue that the "movement of officers" and the shortlisting process have been conducted under a cloak of secrecy, violating Article 10 of the Constitution on national values and governance. "We are seeing names appear and disappear like magic," said a spokesperson for the lobby group. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-17)"Public office is not a private club. We demand to know the criteria, the scores, and the rationale."

The Integrity Deficit

The timing of these demands is critical. The ODPP is the gatekeeper of justice in Kenya; its integrity is non-negotiable. However, the activists allege a disturbing pattern:

• Recycling of Cronies: Allegations that politically connected individuals are being fast-tracked into senior prosecution roles to protect vested interests.
• Lack of Public Participation: The lobby groups point out that the public has been excluded from vetting these critical appointments, contrary to the law.
• Conflict of Interest: Concerns that some shortlisted candidates have prior histories that should disqualify them from holding constitutional office.

Koskei’s Decree vs. Reality

The scandal is a direct embarrassment to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who only last week issued a stern warning to civil servants to uphold "ethical principles" and serve the nation with integrity. The disconnect between Koskei’s public pronouncements and the reality of these appointments highlights the deep rot within the public service machinery. While the top leadership preaches meritocracy, the bureaucratic underbelly appears to be operating on patronage.

"If the ODPP is compromised, the war on corruption is dead on arrival," the lobby groups warned in their joint statement. They have issued a 7-day ultimatum for the Public Service Commission and the ODPP to publish the full details of the recruitment process or face legal action. As the list of shortlisted candidates circulates—containing names like Mugo, Nyaporo, and Nderitu—the public is watching. This is not just about jobs; it is about the capture of the state’s prosecutorial power. If these appointments go through challenged, it will signal that in 2026, who you know still matters more than what you know.