Witness Protection Authority Steps Up Public, Media Sensitisation on Witness Safety in Eldoret

By Wasike Elvis  

The Witness Protection Authority (WPA), in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), has intensified efforts to strengthen witness safety and public confidence in the justice system through a sensitisation forum held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

The engagement brought together journalists from across the Rift Valley region, justice sector stakeholders, and officials from the Witness Protection Authority to discuss the critical role of witness protection in enhancing access to justice, reducing case backlogs, and safeguarding individuals who risk their lives to testify in court.

Speaking during the forum, WPA Public Relations and Communication Manager Calvin Oredi said the agency was in Eldoret to raise awareness about the national witness protection programme under the theme Kulinda Mashahidi Nchini Kenya and to reassure the public that witnesses facing threats are not alone.

“We are happy to be here in Eldoret to inform the people about witness protection in Kenya,” Oredi said. “Our role is key in the justice sector because we bring together all stakeholders to educate the public and the media, who are a very critical segment in disseminating information on witness protection.”

Oredi noted that fear, intimidation, and insecurity continue to undermine the justice process, particularly in regions where witnesses are threatened before or during court proceedings.

“We realise that in this region, particularly, there may be witnesses who fear to testify because of the threats they encounter. We are here to inform them that in case of any such threats, there is a major intervention from the Witness Protection Agency to ensure that they get the necessary protection,” he said.

He explained that witness protection plays a central role in ensuring cases proceed to full conclusion, adding that without protected witnesses, many cases collapse in court.

“When witnesses are protected, cases go to full conviction, and the justice system is able to function in the best way possible to serve Kenyans who require these services,” Oredi said.

Collaboration With Justice Sector Institutions

The WPA official said the agency works closely with key justice sector institutions, including the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other stakeholders to identify, refer, and protect witnesses whose lives are under threat.

“When there are issues that require referral of witnesses under threat, we have worked very closely with these institutions to ensure that those witnesses are protected and that cases do not lag in court because of fear,” he said.

According to Oredi, witness protection has significantly contributed to fast-tracking cases and reducing the growing backlog in courts.

“This is key in ensuring that the justice sector is seen to act decisively and efficiently in providing services to litigants who require justice,” he added.

Agency Performance and Statistics

Providing insight into the agency’s performance since its inception, Oredi disclosed that the Witness Protection Authority has received over 2,000 applications from individuals seeking protection.

“Out of all the applications received, we have protected more than 900 witnesses, and from that number, about 600 have testified in court,” he said.

However, he clarified that not every applicant is admitted into the programme, as the process involves rigorous vetting to assess risk levels and the relevance of testimony.

“Witness protection is a stringent process. We ensure that those admitted receive the best protection possible so that they are psychologically stable and able to testify accurately and confidently in court,” Oredi explained.

Funding Challenges and Cost of Protection

Despite the agency’s successes, Oredi acknowledged that funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing the witness protection programme.

He revealed that protecting a single witness costs the agency an average of Sh5.7 million per year, covering relocation, security, upkeep, and psychosocial support.

“The number of applications we receive is very high, yet we work within a stringent budget allocation from the government. Unfortunately, the funding is not always sufficient to accommodate all applicants,” he said.

Oredi noted that the agency continues to engage the National Treasury and other stakeholders to bridge funding gaps.

“Justice must be seen to be done. Those who seek witness protection services require adequate support, and we hope that with time, the agency will receive increased funding to appropriately handle all deserving cases,” he added.

Journalists’ Role in Witness Safety

The forum also focused on the role of journalists in handling sensitive information involving witnesses, victims, and whistle-blowers.

Joseph Mecha, the Media Council of Kenya Rift Valley Regional Coordinator, said journalists frequently interact with vulnerable sources and must be equipped with knowledge on witness rights and safety.

“Journalists often receive a lot of sensitive information from witnesses, including documents and personal accounts. Many times, they are in direct contact with witnesses whose lives may be in danger,” Mecha said.

He explained that the engagement helped journalists understand what information can be shared publicly without compromising the safety of witnesses.

“We discussed what kind of information journalists can provide, how to protect sources, and how to ensure the safety of witnesses as well as journalists themselves,” he said.

Strengthening Media–Justice Sector Collaboration

Mecha said the forum created an important platform for dialogue between journalists and justice sector institutions, allowing participants to share experiences and challenges encountered while covering sensitive cases.

“Today, we convened this meeting in collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya and the Witness Protection Agency to have a conversation around matters of witness protection,” he said.

He added that journalists were upskilled on personal safety and ethical reporting, noting that reporters covering sensitive cases can also become targets.

“Journalists handle very sensitive information and may themselves be at risk. This engagement has been very insightful, and we look forward to continued collaboration to ensure both witness and journalist safety,” Mecha said.

The organisers said similar sensitisation forums will be held in other regions as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public awareness, enhance witness confidence, and reinforce the role of the media in promoting justice and accountability across the country.