EACC recovers Ksh.1.6B in one year in war on graft

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Halakhe Waqo has blamed Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko and the courts for failure to prosecute individuals found guilty of corruption.

Speaking during Citizen TV’s Power Breakfast Show, Waqo claimed that some court rulings have “greatly hindered” the work of the commission noting that for the war on graft to be won, the three institutions must work together.

“We have been accused of passing the buck as EACC. But let us not forget that EACC investigates, the DPP prosecutes while the courts adjudicate,” said Waqo.

The anti-corruption tsar defended EACC’s performance saying that Ksh.1.6 billion has been recovered in the past year through disruption of corruption networks.

“Ours is not a lost battle. Our case completion rate this year alone is at 33 cases. We have also recovered funds from former Managing Director at Kenya Ports Authority James Mulewa. The criminal case is still in court,” said Waqo.

Corruption at Counties

He further lamented that the commission’s greatest challenge is that the war on corruption has been politicised.

“We have in the past invited Governors to record statements at our office. They turn up with their supporters who seem to suggest that ‘Ni mwizi wetu’,” said Waqo.

He however suggested that the commission has played its part since senior officials in 10 counties have been taken to court on corruption related matters.