EACC to lock out leaders not meeting Chapter Six of Constitution

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) says it is putting in place a framework to ensure that only people of integrity are elected into leadership positions during the 2017 General Election.

According to EACC Chief Executive Officer of the EACC, Halakhe Waqo, both the national and the county governments are experiencing an upsurge in misbehaviour by state officers who have failed to conduct themselves as per Chapter Six of the Constitution.

In a speech read on his behalf by Ben Murei, the EACC Western and Nyanza Regional Manager during the launch of Leadership and Integrity Regulations Implementation Workshop, Waqo pointed out that public entities continue to struggle with serious ethical challenges such as bribery, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds among others.

The CEO says that the commission has been taking appropriate legal action on culpable individuals and will remain vigilant of such illegal incidences.

Waqo pointed out that the commission has concluded investigations in 20 counties and charged over 100 officials while investigations in other counties are ongoing.

In his speech, Waqo faulted the Siaya County Assembly Service Board of failing to publish their Leadership and Integrity Code in the Kenya Gazette.

He says this is an indication that none of the state officers in County Assembly has complied with the legal requirements on Leadership and Integrity and this he warns may have consequences on members seeking elective position in the upcoming General Election.

He further revealed that 424 cases are at various stages in court, 891 persons charged with various offences, concluded investigation of 20 counties and charged over 100 officials while 304 cases are under active investigations.

Siaya Speaker, George Okode, assured that, as a House, they intend to take seriously the training so as not to fall on the wrong side of the law on leadership and integrity issues.

Okode further revealed that after the EACC training, they will be inviting the IEBC to talk to the house members on election regulations as the country gears towards the general elections.

Written by Erick Kombo