Failed cases: Haji denies bad blood with Judiciary

Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji at Kakamega Law courts where he held a meeting with magistrates on October 24, 2019. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has refuted claims of a bad working relationship with the Judiciary.

Mr Haji said investigators are partly to blame for presenting weak cases. Speaking after paying a courtesy call to Kakamega presiding judge William Musyoka, the DPP said his office is working well with other players in the criminal justice system to ensure watertight cases.

“The criminal justice system is very clear that the investigators, the office of the DPP and the Judiciary work independently. We understand that the hands of a magistrate or judge are tied to the evidence tabled,” he said.

Haji said his office works closely with investigating agencies to tighten lose ends before approving cases for prosecution.

“At the end of the day, justice must be served to all the parties involved in criminal matters. When the evidence in court is not sufficient, we anticipate the cases will fail,” said the DPP.

The constitution guarantees fair trial to the accused, he added.

“Even in the most advanced criminal justice systems, the general principle is that there must be integrity when discharging duties. We don’t take offence when some matters are dismissed,” said the DPP.