Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Sunday appealed to Kenyans of all walks of life to exploit the current political goodwill and help slay the dragon of corruption.
EACC Chairperson, Archbishop (Rtd.) Eliud Wabukala made the appeal during this year’s commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) at Mbale Municipal grounds on Sunday.
Wabukala thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for the political goodwill, which strengthened the commission’s war against corruption in the country.
“Since assuming power, President Uhuru Kenyatta has created political goodwill in the fight against corruption that is now bearing desired results,” noted Wabukala.
He urged County governors and County assembly speakers to join the Head of State in the corruption war in order to enable Kenyans enjoy fruits of devolution.
“It is sad to note today that corruption has led to poor service delivery in most of the devolved units,” Wabukala said.
He however noted that a few county governments had joined the fight against graft. As a result of support received from President Uhuru’s government, Wabukala noted the commission has recorded some significant achievements in the anti-graft war in 2018.
“The year 2018 marked unsurpassed achievements in the fight against corruption in our country,” reported Wabukala.
He disclosed that the commission has finalized and submitted to the Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) a total of 183 files on corruption and economic crime.
“Out of which 135 were recommended for prosecution, 14 for administrative action while 34 were recommended for closure,” explained Wabukala, adding that the commission had furnished the DPP’s office with four case files on ethical breaches.
According to the EACC boss, 49 cases have so far been finalized in court resulting to 39 convictions and 10 acquittals.
On assets recovery, the chairperson disclosed the commission had enabled the country recover assets estimated at Sh. 488 billion through court process and out-of-court settlement.
He further pointed out the anti-graft body traced 14 illegally acquired public assets valued at Sh. 2.3billion whose recovery process was ongoing.
“In addition, the Commission carried out 12 proactive covert investigations, averting a possible loss of public funds estimated at KES 4.7 billion,” reported Wabukala.
He singled various stakeholders who he hailed for their significant contributions in the war against corruption.
“As EACC, we realized we could not combat corruption on our own. Therefore, we have partnered with various stakeholders in all sectors including the executive, legislature, judiciary, civil society, media private sector and professional bodies,” he observed.
He warned Kenyans, regardless of their positions in society against condoning corruption but instead fight the vice.
“Winning the war against corruption requires the involvement of all actors. Let us carry ourselves with dignity, offer impeccable services and act with personal integrity in all our decision making and undertakings as is required of us by the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012,” urged Wabukala.
Wabukala witnessed the signing of two Action Plans, one between the EACC and Vihiga County Government and the second between EACC and Vihiga County Assembly.
Area Governor, Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said the Action Plan was anti-graft commitments made by members of both the county executive and assembly.
“Any public officer found to have engaged in graft from today will carry the cross individually,” declared Ottichilo.
Among other high ranking guests who graced the event, included Kisii Governor, James Ongwae, EACC Commissioner, Dr. Dabar Maalim, Vihiga County Commissioner, Mr. John Chelimo, County Assembly Speaker, Hasna Mudeizi and Deputy Governor, Dr. Patrick Saisi.
By Maurice Aluda
