Mombasa residents have expressed mixed feelings following the appointment and swearing in of the new anti-graft team on Monday.
The residents said the commissioners assumption of office will not be a new beginning in the fight against corruption, a vice that has become a pandemic in Kenya.
Speaking to this writer on Tuesday, the residents said the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) under the stewardship of Mr Philip Kinisu is expected to deliver in its mandate if it is to remain relevant to Kenyans.
They said the commission which has been in the past been dogged by intrigues is expected to expedite its investigations leading to the prosecution of the perpetrators of corruption.
Joe Mucheru, a banker, said the new body has what it takes to win the war against graft.
However, he believes that that can only happen with the support of top government institutions like the Judiciary.
Mucheru said it is high time the Judiciary rose to the occasion and supported EACC which in itself has long been branded a toothless dog.
“This new team has what it takes to perform. Philip Kinisu is an astute leader and his record at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) speaks for itself,” he said.
Habib Hassan, a resident, said that the new team will not deliver, citing the commission's past 'failures'.
Hassan said the new team's efforts will be wakened by constant parliament interferences.
'It is like having fresh wine in the same old bottle,” he said.
He said radical restructuring of the commission will be needed if it is to deliver, adding that the commission should be given power to prosecute.
Paul Ochieng, a businessman from Makupa, said the commission will not do anything better considering its past record.
He said that the appointment will only pave way for fresh controversy in the faltering war against graft.