A commission of inquiry into cronyism and state capture will not usurp the powers of investigative agencies, Kenya Kwanza has clarified.
The commission, it stated, will work hand in hand with other key institutions in the country.
“It envisions a multi-agency approach bringing together all other agencies implicated in that inquiry participating as members, and there shall be no conflicts of interest at all,” Korir Sing’oei, who is part of the 10-member drafters of the manifesto, said.
Sing’oei, however, said there shall be ‘robust’ conversations between the agencies and the Executive to ensure all those that instigated it are dealt with appropriately.
If elected, Deputy President William Ruto’s administration has said it will, within 30 days, establish a quasi-judicial agency to look into the matter as part of its move to bolster governance in the country.
Coalition’s diaspora leader Ababu Namwamba said they will institutionalise the war on corruption.
“If we institutionalise the fight and you ring-fence the institutions of governance, you are not going to see political leaders on political missions abusing state resources. We have to discuss corruption in the right context,” he said.
The team of economists, led by David Ndii, spoke on Wednesday during a roundtable discussion.
Other members present included Josphat Nanok, Augustine Cheruiyot, Mugambi Mureithi and George Gibore.
They assured Kenyans that all the pledges in their plan will be delivered should Ruto win the presidency on August 9.
The faces behind the manifesto came out for the first time since the launch of a plan to clarify issues raised by a cross-section of leaders about it.
Leaders, among them Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have poked holes into the document, saying it failed to capture the aspirations of Kenyans, especially on corruption.
Ndii said they have received a backlash from their opponents for unveiling a ‘detailed’ plan.
The main areas they are focusing on, he said, are transitioning to democracy and governance by ensuring accountability, especially on corruption and socio-economics.
Ndii said they have identified key sectors that stimulate the economy to create jobs and increase income, hence broadening the tax base and as a result making the government creditworthy again.
“It has to hit the foreign exchange crisis quickly…we have to reduce imports and stimulate exports quickly so that foreign exchange balances and improves,” he said.
On foreign policy, Namwamba underscored the importance of the country’s stability to continue to play its role effectively in global peace and security and as a regional anchor state.
Citing Somalia-Kenya maritime dispute, the former CAS said they are not going to wait for it to happen as it threatens the peace and stability of the neighbouring country.
Nanok called for sobriety during this electioneering period saying, “Let us resolve corruption amicably and all players involved remain responsible for our words during this period."
Edited by A.N
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