DPP Noordin Haji appointed Queens Counsel Khawar Qureshi to lead corruption cases against judicial and government officials.

Haji stated that he picked the London-based professor by single-sourcing after an unsuccessful bid to find a fit candidate after adverting.

Unique CV

“The DPP advertised for private legal counsel but due to the unique nature of requirements and the complexity of cases, it was not possible to find suitable candidates,” DPP Haji’s statement read in part.

He argued there were several cases of great public importance which affect State and public officers, so a private prosecutor will inject confidence.

The DPP perceived that the person aiding Kenyan in eradicating corruption must look at the law independently without any external forces influencing them.

Among the senior officials facing graft charges are Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, several principal secretaries and former and current governors.

Credentials

The DPP added that it is the practice among commonwealth nations, that when senior members of the bench and/or government are on trial, members are invited to handle the proceedings.

Professor Khawar has taught commercial law at Cambridge University and public international law at King's College London.

Notably, a Queen's Counsel is a senior barrister appointed on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor.