EACC will not arrest Raila Odinga after he cooperated

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has backtracked its earlier threat to arrest the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga if he fails to appear before it Monday.

In a press briefing Monday morning, EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo said they will not pursue the CORD leader since he has cooperated with the commission regarding his Eurobond claims.

“The commission would like to confirm to the nation that Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga has complied with the terms of the summons through his lawyers via a letter dated 11^th December 2015 providing a summary of his concerns on the Eurobond but without supportive documents.”

“Hon. Raila’s concerns are based on two treasury documents namely: Quarterly Economic Budget Review (QEBR) for the 4^th Quarter of 2014/2015 and Budget Review Outlook Paper (BBROP) dated September 2015. This information has been forwarded to a team of investigators and is being treated as his statement on the matter.”

Waqo, however, stated that Odinga’s statement did not have supporting documents to back his claims saying it has been forwarded to investigators.

Halakhe further said that the summons issued were in good faith and those summoned should “consider it an honour to be found worthy that they have something to assist in investigations.”

“Further, the reforms and democratic space was inspired by among other things, non-selective enforcement of the law and fighting impunity. For the country to win the war on corruption, all Kenyans regardless of status or political affiliations are expected to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.”

Last week EACC had threatened to prosecute the CORD leader if he does not adhere to summons to appear before the commission today.

In a rejoinder, Raila maintained his stand not to honour the summit daring the commission to arrest him

Odinga said that there were glaring disparities in the figures being provided by the Treasury, and as such the truth must come out.

On Sunday, CORD faulted the government for alleged intimidation of its members over its demands for accountability of the Sh140 billion from the proceeds.

“We have noted with concern personal attacks and threats by senior members of the Jubilee Administration in response to our demand for accountability over the use of proceeds of the Eurobond debt procured in June 2014,” read the statement in part.

“Kenyans recall the president ordering payment of a dubious judgment debt obtained by Anglo Leasing ghosts in a foreign court so that this borrowing can proceed.”

The statement signed by CORD principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, and Siaya Senator James Orengo expressed doubts over the government’s expenditure of the proceeds, noting that as the opposition, they are mandated to hold the government to account.

In his Jamhuri Day speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta said political leaders should be held accountable over allegations made in public saying nobody is above the law.

“The sword of justice cuts both ways, if you make unfounded claims, you should be held to account,” said President Kenyatta.

He further warned the media against broadcasting allegations made by politicians if they cannot prove their claims.

CORD leader Raila Odinga has in the past weeks been on the forefront in calling on the government to accountable for Sh140 billion Eurobond proceeds, which he says is “missing”.

Raila was last week summoned to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission but failed to show up, with another summon being issued for Monday.