Atheists in Kenya (AIK) have challenged the nomination of retired Archbishop Eliud Wabukala as EACC chair saying he does not have what it takes in fighting corruption.
They said although Wabukala could have done well as an archbishop, they, however, doubt he has the “drive, stamina, experience, character and predisposition to take on politically sensitive and high voltage corruption cases in this country.”
They added that the cleric would find it hard to recommend punishment for the corrupt due to his strong Christian values, and plan to challenge his nomination in Parliament during his vetting.
“In the church, forgiveness is exalted as a virtue, and punishment is never emphasised. How will a person who believes that in the Bible’s message of forgiveness and who has preached this message for over 20 years to be good for EACC?” said the group in a statement posted on the group’s Facebook account on Thursday.
They also claimed Wabukala has never been vocal in fighting corruption despite being a high profile religious leader.
They said what Kenya needs is a bold, unapologetic anti-corruption head and "not a compromising, lackluster, pulpit personality."
“We do not see a Desmond Tutu, a Martin Luther King, or even Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki in Archbishop Wabukala. He looks too laid back, to unconcerned about mega corruption in Kenya ... Will Wabukala be bold enough to prosecute the big fish? We doubt that he will. He is a man of the cloth, and he may want to continue preaching forgiveness as head of EACC.”
The atheists now want Wabukala to turn down the appointment in order to remain relevant in the country.
“It will be unfortunate for a former leading religious leader to be hounded out of office just because of the politics of corruption in Kenya. It will be bad for the Anglican Church, and it will soil his reputation as a leading light in the religious fraternity. The history of EACC has demonstrated that whenever high-profile cases are being investigated, the executive turns around and hounds the head of the commission out of office. Wabukala should indeed reject his appointment to remain relevant, based on the high turnover at the EACC.”
They also questioned the close relationship between churches and politicians in the country.
“We haven’t seen Wabukala taking issue publicly with the millions that the church is given by otherwise rogue and corrupt politicians. Is he willing to challenge where this money is coming from? Is he willing to do a lifestyle audit of the Vice President, and other key government officials who splash millions in churches? We don’t think so. We think he may become a lame duck under this environment.”
On Tuesday, President Uhuru nominated Wabukala as EACC chair and forwarded his name to Parliament for vetting.