BY SAM ALFAN .
Outspoken city lawyer Danstan Omari has been tipped to succeed Noordin Haji as Kenya’s next Director of Public Prosecution.
Omari, who practices law at Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates received a boost from various bodies, who have endorsed his candidature.
Among those that have endorsed Omari is the president of the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association President Derrick Kuto.
Kuto said Omari is the official lawyer for the KMJA, the umbrella body bringing together all judges and magistrate in Kenya.
“I know him as a hardworking, diligent and committed lawyer. He is courageous and outgoing. I know him as a person of integrity. His knowledge of the law and practice coupled with his background in the Public Service makes his approach informed, balanced and pragmatic.
“We have also noted his commitment to public service and mentorship to upcoming lawyers and members of the bench. The association is proud to be associated with Omar’s achievements,” Kuto said while endorsing him.
He added that he believe that given Omari’s background, he is fit to serve the Kenyan nation and its people.
Lawyer Shadrack Wambui also endorsed Omari describing him as the best candidate to succeed Haji.
He added that even while is younger in practice than his competitors, he is the best candidate with overall experience both as a lawyer, a teacher of law, a children officer and a teacher.
“The appointment of Mr Omari Danstan as the next DPP will be a major win to the criminal justice sector that has been bedeviled by so many challenges including a former DPP who did not have any court room experience,” said lawyer Wambui.
He said Omari, who has been in practice more than 10 years, is one of the lawyers who guided and mentored him.
Another colleague and renown lawyer Cliff Ombeta said, “Integrity cannot be questioned. Brave. Takes on matters without fear or favour. Grasp of the law is perfect,” he said.
He added that Omari is innovative in thinking and broadminded, a solution giver rather than problem shooter and mingles and sits and respects all regardless of status.
“As DPP, Omari is the choice. He has track record both in private practice and in civil service. It’s the ultimate blend,” he added.
Omari has been representing persons of different status from common Mwananchi, police to politicians and is known for calling a spoon a spoon or a spade whether in court or media interviews.
Omari who has thirteen years’ experience in legal profession and has been shortlisted for interviews set to begin on Tuesday.
President William Ruto with lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Danstan Omari having a laughter.
The lawyer is Nyamira County and was admitted to the bar on November 14, 2011.
According to Law Society of Kenya, Omari is a lawyer of good standing and there is no conviction against him before the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal. The society added that Omari’s practicing certificate is up to date and licensed to practice law.
If picked and appointed by President William Ruto, Omari will be the third country’s top prosecutor after Keriako Tobiko and Haji.
Others to be interviewed are Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi who is currently serving in Machakos law courts, Deputy Director in the department of offences against person in the ODPP’s office Jacinta Nyamosi, Victor Mule, Peter Mailanyi, Lilian Okumu-Obuo, Renson Mulele and Tabitha Ouya, all from the DPP’s office.
Also in the race are Jacob Ondari, special prosecutor Taib Ali Taib, former IEBC Commissioner Thomas Letangule, lawyer Winston Ngaira, former Nyandarua county Assembly speaker Wahome Ndengwa, lawyer David Okatch and David Ruto, a director of legal services at EACC.
