EACC slams LSK President Faith Odhiambo over remark on withdrawal of high-profile graft cases

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has rebuked Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo for accusing it of withdrawing numerous high-profile corruption cases in court.

Ms. Odhiambo made the remarks on Thursday on Citizen TV's Daybreak show, further faulting the anti-graft agency for its perceived failure to effectively address widespread corruption issues across the country.

“EACC has failed Kenyans because it withdraws cases left, right and centre. I find it hypocritical for EACC to run campaigns to end corruption; they should start from within and clean up their systems,” said the LSK boss in the interview.

In a rejoinder, the commission in a statement on X slammed Ms. Odhiambo, labelling her remarks as embarrassing for an advocate of the High Court who should be well-versed with Kenya's graft case procedures.

"It is not only shocking but also embarrassing for a person of the standing of the LSK President to display such ignorance of basic facts regarding the anti-corruption law enforcement process in Kenya. Does EACC have the power to withdraw corruption cases of a criminal nature?" The anti-graft body posed.

"For civil matters that the commission takes to court directly, can she state any single case that the commission has ever withdrawn from court?"

According to EACC, Ms. Odhiambo should have done her homework before making the remarks, in utterances that seemingly cast blame on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Since the start of President William Ruto’s regime in September last year, several criminal cases against powerful individuals in government have collapsed while other former officials in the corporate sector have been set free on account of the withdrawal of charges by the ODPP.

Among senior leaders whose cases were dropped by the ODPP are Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as well as Cabinet Secretaries Aisha Jumwa and Mithika Linturi.

"Before appearing for the TV Show, the Panellist, an Advocate of the High Court, should have done some basic research to familiarize herself with Kenya’s anti-corruption law enforcement processes and related contemporary issues such as which agency or agencies have withdrawn graft cases," said EACC.

"Counsel is also sensitized that contrary to her false assertion that EACC withdraws cases, the commission is in court opposing withdrawals that it considers inimical to public interest, and will continue to do so."