MPs weak link in war on corruption, says EACC

MPs are reversing gains made in the fight against corruption through legislation, the anti-graft agency has said.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson David Oginde and CEO Twalib Mbarak on Saturday said corrupt leaders who have ascended to political positions have abused the powers associated with their positions to dilute the fight against graft.

They spoke during a ceremony to mark this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day held in Murang’a.

Some Members of Parliament are pushing for legislation that could impede the war on corruption, Mbarak said.

“In the recent past, we have witnessed some legislators who sponsor bills aimed to dilute efforts on the fight against corruption. One proposed amendment seeks to remove procurement breaches from legal redress and place them under administrative action," he said.

 Oginde said another proposal was to free any person who has ever been convicted over a corruption case to seek any elective position or serve in a public office.

“In the conflict of interest bill before the House, they are attempting to allow public officers to trade with the government,"he said.

The EACC chairperson said some communities and parties have been ganging up against law enforcement agents when a corruption suspect is arrested or is questioned.

Oginde said it’s the right time to strengthen legal structures and systems that will see an effective fight against graft.

 “For Kenya to successfully be a corruption-free country, a lot is needed to wipe out the menace. First, by electing people of integrity to various leadership positions,” he said.

The EACC, the chairperson said, will not relent in its fight against graft, saying they will not be threatened or blackmailed as they go for individuals who have amassed wealth through corrupt deals.

“No nation has ever thrived through shortcuts like corruption, gambling, fraud among others. Great nations are those that have prioritised hard work, trust and integrity,” he he said.

Oginde called upon public officers to embrace national values, ethics and integrity as they deliver services.

Mbarak said lack of ethics and corruption have found their way into the education system.

He said academic certificates held by some Kenyans, including those in leadership, are not genuine.

“As a country, where are we heading with the increased cases of exam malpractices? It’s also worrying people are holding fake academic certificates. This calls for every Kenyan to think of the future of this nation and avoid some of these shameful unethical practices,” he said.

The CEO challenged Kenyans to ensure the people they elect will be accountable on what they do while in the positions they are holding.

“Counties like Murang’a are doing well when it comes to fighting against graft and in accountability, but with others, corruption is the order of the day. My appeal to Kenyans is to help EACC in its work by ensuring those elected are people who embrace values of integrity, honesty and accountability,” Mbarak said.

Leaders present led by Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang’ata called for automation in provision of services, saying this will reduce physical contacts thus few chances of corruption.

Kang’ata said Murang’a has been able to tame corruption by automating most of its services including collection of revenue.

“Murang’a has managed to deal with corruption by ensuring services are offered on digital platforms. In our hospitals services are offered through an automated system and one can monitor collection of revenue among other activities,” Kang’ata said.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said a thriving economy and equitable distribution of resources will play key roles in the fight against corruption.

He promised to push for enhanced budgetary allocation to institutions charged with the role to fight graft like EACC, Judiciary and office of public prosecution.

“Despite the liquidity challenge in the country, as chairperson of the parliamentary committee on budget, I will push for more funding to the key institutions mandated with the responsibility to fight corruption,” he said.