- The Majority Leader said he would never defend any Cabinet Secretary mentioned adversely in corrupt activities, even if he/she was from his community.
- He said there will be no compromise when it comes to matters of accountability and transparency.
Image: HANDOUT
National Assembly Majority Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah has vowed not to support or defend any Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary, or heads of parastatals implicated in corruption.
While his role requires him to advocate for government policies on behalf of Cabinet Secretaries and other officials, Ichung’wah has made it clear that there will be no compromise when it comes to matters of accountability and transparency.
“On matters touching on accountability in government, matters touching on how you conduct yourself while in office, there shall be no compromise,” the Majority Leader told the House on Wednesday.
Speaking on the floor of the House, the Majority Leader said he would never defend any Cabinet Secretary mentioned adversely in corrupt activities, even if he/she was from his community.
Ichung’wah further asserted that his commitment to accountability transcends personal connections.
"I shall never stand here to defend any Cabinet Secretary, whether they hail from my community, whether they are my kin or not. When the President entrusts you with the responsibility of serving as a Cabinet Secretary, your duty is to the people of Kenya, not just those from your locality,” he stated.
He underscored that state officers should not protect their colleagues based on regional affiliations but rather focus on delivering services to all Kenyan citizens.
“We have discussed the issue of state capture extensively. It persists because individuals within the government have the means to embezzle funds and then conceal their misconduct,” he held.
Ichung’wah suggested that state officers should follow the example set by President William Ruto, who has been consistently resolute on matters related to combating corruption.
He argued that the President cannot be saying "mambo ni matatu" on issues touching on corruption and that senior officials in government speak a different language.
He said the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is a constitutional body that investigates anybody including Cabinet Secretaries.
“There is no CS who can pretend to have powers to direct EACC. The Commission has powers to investigate anything touching on the integrity of any public officer,” he held.
EACC is a public body established under Section 3 (1) of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2011.
It is mandated to and prevent corruption, economic crimes and unethical conduct through law enforcement, prevention, public education and promotion of standards and practices of integrity.