President William Ruto has appointed Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli among the seven member team tasked with picking the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

The controversial trade unionist who is a foe turned friend of the president, has been selected in the team that also features, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) boss Twalib Abdallah Mbarak and Solicitor General Shadrack Mose.

Others on the panel to replace Noordin Haji who has since been appointed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General include, Mary Adhiambo Maungu, Roseline Odede, Richard Onsongo Bush Obwo and Mary Kimonye.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 8 (1) of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013, L, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint the seven to be members of the Selection Panel for the Selection of Nominees for appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions,” read the statement in part.

The panel is mandated to shortlist, vet and nominate suitable candidates for the state office and then foward the names to the president who will in turn pick one for appointment.