President Uhuru Kenyatta’s strategy in fighting rampant graft has yet again been criticised by top leaders from Nyamira County.
Speaking at North Mugirango during a fundraiser, the leaders led by former Law Society of Kenya Chairman Okong’o Mogeni said the country was struggling in fighting corruption due to absence of the commissioners at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
They urged the Head of State to expedite appointment of commissioners in a bid to restore trust among Kenyans in his commitment to fight corruption.
“We are all aware that the nation doesn’t have EACC officials after some resigned. The current law doesn’t empower Chief Executive (Halaqe Waqo) and his team to investigate and prosecute the cases and all of us know that. We want to see commissioners appointed if at all the fight against corruption is real,” he said.
Okong’o further called upon the government through the leaders of majority to table proposals in Parliament that will empower the commission to prosecute accused persons in graft cases.
“Under the current law, EACC is weak and toothless and that is why many people who commit economic crimes walk away free. Parliament should come up with a proposal that will strengthen EACC by mandating its officials to investigate and prosecute those implicated in corruption scandals,” he added.
East Africa Legislative Assembly Member Joseph Kiangoi accused MPs of witch hunting officials from EACC, making fight against corruption difficult.
“Our leaders are the enemies in fight against corruption and the President should know that. We need a commission in place and MPs little intervention in matters corruption, otherwise the fight against graft will be like building castles in the air,” he said.
Former commissioners Mumo Matemu (Chairman), Prof Jane Onsongo and Irene Keino (Vice Chairpersons) resigned from office, leaving the anti-graft body without commissioners.