ODPP calls for stronger regional cooperation on terrorism cases
By Faith Lagat, April 17, 2026The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has concluded a two-week specialised training on counter-terrorism (CT) and counter-financing of terrorism (TF) in Nairobi, calling for enhanced regional collaboration to address emerging transnational security threats.
The programme brought together prosecutors from Kenya and Uganda to strengthen cross-border cooperation in handling complex criminal cases.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Christine Gakobo said joint capacity-building initiatives are essential in improving regional coordination and equipping prosecutors with practical skills.
“Such engagements strengthen regional cooperation and equip prosecutors with practical skills to address increasingly sophisticated transnational crimes,” she said on Friday, April 17, 2026.
She noted that terrorism and its financing often involve networks that operate across multiple jurisdictions, requiring coordinated responses.
Training programme and prosecution skills development
The training followed the February 2026 launch of a counter-terrorism prosecution curriculum by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga.
It focused on building competencies in investigating, preparing and prosecuting CT and TF cases, with emphasis on identifying financial red flags linked to extremist activities.
Participants underwent structured sessions combining theory and practical application. The programme aimed to strengthen prosecutorial capacity in handling complex terrorism-related offences and improving evidence handling in court processes.
Moot court exercise and practical application
The training concluded with a moot court exercise involving witnesses from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and Child and Family Services (CFS).
The simulation allowed participants to practise trial procedures, including evidence presentation and witness handling in terrorism-related cases.
Justice Alexander Muteti attended the closing session and highlighted the role of the Judiciary in adjudicating CT and TF matters. Geoffrey Obiri also contributed during the opening session, emphasising the importance of multi-agency coordination in prosecutorial work.
Regional cooperation and legal framework strengthening
The ODPP said the training aligns with broader efforts to enhance Kenya’s counter-terrorism financing framework and support commitments related to exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
Terrorism cases were described as involving cross-border networks that require coordinated legal and investigative responses.
The office also highlighted the implementation of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Guidelines launched in April 2026. Since 2023, the ODPP has processed at least 45 MLA requests involving money laundering, cybercrime and organised transnational crime.
The guidelines introduce standardised procedures to improve efficiency in handling cross-border evidence and cooperation requests.
The ODPP said it continues to work with investigative agencies, the Judiciary and international partners to strengthen prosecution systems and improve coordination in addressing evolving security threats.