Article 158. Removal and resignation of Director of Public Prosecutions
Official Constitutional Text
158. (1) The Director of Public Prosecutions may be removed from office only on the grounds of—
(a) inability to perform the functions of office arising from mental or physical incapacity;
(b) non-compliance with Chapter Six;
(c) bankruptcy;
(d) incompetence; or
(e) gross misconduct or misbehaviour.
(2) A person desiring the removal of the Director of Public Prosecutions may present a petition to the Public Service Commission which, shall be in writing, setting out the alleged facts constituting the grounds for the removal of the Director.
(3) The Public Service Commission shall consider the petition and, if it is satisfied that it discloses the existence of a ground under clause (1), it shall send the petition to the President.
(4) On receipt and examination of the petition, the President shall, within fourteen days, suspend the Director of Public Prosecutions from office pending action by the President in accordance with clause (5) and shall, acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission, appoint a tribunal consisting of—
(a) four members from among persons who hold or have held office as a judge of a superior court, or who are qualified to be appointed as such;
(b) one advocate of at least fifteen years’ standing nominated by the statutory body responsible for the professional regulation of advocates; and
(c) two other persons with experience in public affairs.
(5) The tribunal shall inquire into the matter expeditiously and report on the facts and make recommendations to the President, who shall act in accordance with the recommendations of the tribunal.
(6) A Director of Public Prosecutions who is suspended from office under clause (4) shall be entitled to half of their remuneration until removed from, or reinstated in, office.
(7) A tribunal appointed under clause (4) shall elect a chairperson from among its members.
(8) A tribunal appointed under clause (4) shall be responsible for the regulation of its proceedings.
(9) The Director of Public Prosecutions may resign from office by giving notice, in writing, to the President.
Plain English Explanation
This is a simplified summary to explain this article in clear language. It is not the legal text of the Constitution.
Article 158 outlines the strict process for removing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from office to protect them from political unfairness. The DPP can only be removed for severe reasons, including serious illness, incompetence, breaking leadership integrity rules (Chapter Six), declaring bankruptcy, or gross misconduct. Anyone who wants the DPP removed must send a written petition to the Public Service Commission. If the commission agrees there is a valid reason, they forward it to the President, who must suspend the DPP within 14 days and set up a special seven-member investigative tribunal made up of judges, an experienced lawyer, and public experts. While suspended, the DPP receives only half of their salary. The tribunal investigates quickly, and the President is legally forced to follow whatever final recommendation they make, whether it is to fire the DPP or restore them to full office. Finally, the DPP can also choose to leave the position voluntarily at any time by sending a written resignation to the President.