The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered assets worth Sh614.2 million in Nakuru.
The assets include Karlo land in Naivasha worth Sh490million, four civil servant houses valued at Sh74.2million in Ngei Estate, two plots at Survey Camp near Kanu street worth Sh42million and a school land estimated to cost Sh8million as well as a plot adjacent to Tower One belonging to Postal Corporation.
Speaking in Nakuru on Thursday during the handing over of recovered assets in Nakuru and Bomet Counties, EACC chairperson Archbishop (Rtd) Dr Eliud Wabukala said the only way to deal with corruption in the country is to ensure there is severe punishment for those found guilty.
“There should be severe punishment for those who are found to have stolen public funds and property. Parliament should also start thinking about the same in terms of legislation," said Wabukala.
While noting that the EACC’s strategic plan for the year is to ensure a country that is run through integrity, Wabukala called for proper governance structures to be put in place to avert corruption and save public property and funds.
The EACC chair said that as a commission, they will continue to ensure that those who steal public property and funds do not have room to enjoy the same.
“We shall continue to ensure that those who steal public property and funds do not enjoy their wealth and our systems in place should also ensure severe punishment for the culprits,” said Wabukala.
He added that the challenge of unemployment that is being witnessed in the country can only be solved if corruption is dealt with.
While citing the numerous cases that are before courts, Wabukala revealed that as a commission they have also begun embracing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in recovering assets.
He once again appealed to Kenyans and the media to assist the commission by reporting any case of corruption or land grabbing.
His sentiments were echoed by EACC CEO Mr Twalib Mbarak who termed land grabbers as greedy people who are abusing power at the expense to the public.
Twalib reiterated that the commission will work with other institutions to ensure all parcels of grabbed land are recovered. He added that the commission is now embracing the proactive approach in dealing with cartels that grab and steal public property.
On his part, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui commended EACC for the steps taken in recovering public assets.
While terming land grabbing in the country as a monster, the governor stated that it was not an easy job as there were ready forces that were fighting back.
"Nakuru is one of the counties hit hard with issues of land grabbing adding that is a big blow even to the Big 4 agenda as far as food security is concerned when land meant for research is grabbed by cartels," he noted.
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