Wabukalas nomination at stake for burying, wedding thieves

Four people have opposed the nomination of Retired Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop, Eliud Wabukala, as the head of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on grounds that he abused his office during his tenure at the helm of the church.

The four, namely: Rev John Mbugua, Gilbert Mukabane, Eric Abu, and Jeramba Munuhe, in a letter to the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), argue that Wabukala used his office to sanitize corrupt individuals.

They argue that by baptizing, wedding and burying ‘thieves’ and persons accused of violating the law, Wabukala acted unethically and has no moral authority heading the anti-graft body.

The four further argue that should the National Assembly go ahead and approve the nomination of Wabukala, it will be agreeing to his stand that corruption can be sanitized ‘through prayers’.

Wabukala, who was appearing before the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee for vetting, told the Parliamentarians that should he be approved to head the EACC, he will perform his duties independently without interference from external forces.

The former head of ACK further told the Samuel Chepkonga-led committee that he will bring back public trust to the anti-graft body.

Should his nomination be approved, he will replace Philip Kinisu, who was forced out of office after it emerged that his family company, Esaki Limited, transacted business worth Ksh 35 million with the National Youth Service.

The National Assembly is set to hold a special sitting on January 17 to consider Wabukala’s nomination.