Renson Ingonga, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya, has again attracted attention after his office withdrew major criminal charges.
On August 10, 2025, a magistrate court dismissed a Sh300 million land fraud case involving businessman Abdorahman Huchamsa, also known as Ahmed Nazil and Abdi.Huchamsa faced accusations of fabricating title deeds to unlawfully take control of four land plots measuring 1.6 hectares in Kya-Ng’ombe, Embakasi.
These lands were originally owned by Pansiba Limited, which lawfully acquired them in 2017 and maintained possession until 2021 when a bank attempted to auction part of the property.
The fraudulent deeds reportedly date back to 2006 but were uncovered when Huchamsa combined the parcels and claimed ownership, prompting Pansiba to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The DPP’s office moved to stop the prosecution, recommending the case be transferred to the Environment and Lands Court.Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo agreed to the withdrawal based on constitutional authority. Huchamsa was freed, with his travel documents and bail returned.
Pansiba Limited is appealing the decision in the High Court, insisting the case had sufficient proof to convict and that forgery should not be treated as a land dispute.
Earlier in 2025, Ingonga also dropped a Sh342 million corruption case against former University of Nairobi Council chair Prof Amukowa Anangwe.
Murder charges against senior police officers related to killings during operations were withdrawn in May 2025, while a Sh7.6 billion fraud case against oil trader Yagnesh Devani was blocked by court when an attempt was made to stop it.
Similarly, a Sh706 million fraud case against transport company officials was rejected by the court after an effort to withdraw it in July 2025.
Documents leaked from the DPP’s office reveal recurring patterns in halting such cases, raising serious questions about fairness and accountability.
Amid growing protests demanding an end to corruption and better governance during mid-2025, Ingonga pursued prosecutions of demonstrators, some facing terrorism charges.
Though he claimed independence, critics saw this as suppressing opposition.
After a brief retreat from the spotlight, Ingonga re-emerged with multiple withdrawals of cases involving powerful individuals.
Commentators including Francis Gaitho have described these withdrawals as routine acts of corruption and misuse of office.They argue that the DPP’s office acts more like an extension of State House rather than an impartial enforcer of justice.
The upcoming High Court review of the Pansiba case is viewed by many as a crucial test of Kenya’s legal independence.
