KISUMU, Kenya, October 2025 –The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Nyanza Region has called for more breast cancer awareness among its female staff. Subsequently, the office on Thursday, October 30th, held a Ladies’ Conference aimed at promoting the wellness and empowerment of women prosecutors, with a special focus on breast cancer awareness.
Opening the event in Kisumu on Thursday, ODPP Head Renson Igonga said the conference was part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month and reflected the ODPP’s commitment to supporting the health and leadership of its female staff.
“This is the ODPP Nyanza Region Ladies’ Conference, focusing on the wellness of ladies, more particularly breast cancer awareness,” Mr Igonga said.
“As we are all aware, this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that is why we decided that this is the time this conference ought to be held.”
Igonga noted that women make up a significant majority of the ODPP workforce, accounting for about 58 percent of staff, many of whom occupy key leadership and mentorship roles.
“They act as mentors for those who are still young in their profession or those aspiring to join the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” he said, describing the gathering as an inspiring conference showcasing the importance of women in wellness and leadership.
He commended female prosecutors for their dedication, saying they handle most of the ODPP’s prosecutorial duties across the region.
Igonga further highlighted women’s involvement in high-profile cases, citing Ojwang’s case, in which a man allegedly died in police custody.
“It is being headed by Madam Gikuyu Wangoi, who is a lady, showcasing the fact that women in our office have been given leadership roles insofar as prosecution is concerned,” he added.
The conference underscored the ODPP’s continued efforts to promote gender equity, professional growth, and health awareness among its staff.
Speaking during the same event, Jacinta Nyemosi, Deputy Director in charge of the Conventional and Related Crimes Department, underscored the need to support prosecutors who handle emotionally demanding and sensitive cases such as sexual offences and homicide.
“Nature conference is one opportunity to let people know that their leadership cares,” Ms Nyemosi said.
She said that despite their day-to-day job being heavy, handling victims and difficult cases, the office cares.
“These are opportunities for women to open up and talk about it.”
Nyemosi, who has served as a prosecutor for 25 years, said her department handles nearly 90 percent of all criminal cases in the country, including sexual offences, homicide, and theft.
She described prosecution work as demanding but deeply fulfilling, particularly when victims receive justice.
“If you can give justice to a victim, say, a child who has suffered defilement and make them smile, even if briefly, you’ve shown them that somebody cares,” she said.
She noted that handling such cases can take an emotional toll on prosecutors, who often absorb victims’ trauma.
Forums like the Ladies’ Conference, she said, provide an opportunity for prosecutors to learn coping strategies and hear from experts such as psychologists and doctors.
“People sometimes self-medicate using alcohol to cope,” she cautioned. “Let this be an opportunity to learn better ways to handle the pressures of our work.”
Nyemosi also addressed public concerns about the withdrawal of certain cases, explaining that such decisions are guided by evidence and the law, not external influence.
“Article 157 of the Constitution allows a prosecutor to continuously review a case,” she said. “Sometimes witnesses disappear, or evidence changes. In such situations, withdrawing a case gives room to reorganise and ensure justice is eventually served.”
She urged the public to understand that case withdrawals are often procedural steps aimed at strengthening prosecutions rather than abandoning justice.
