The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) has urged politicians in the country to be honest and have political good will in the fight against corruption. EACC commissioner Dr. Dabar Abdi Maalim who during the world anti-corruption day event held at Makutano Stadium in West Pokot read a speech on behalf of the EACC Chairman Dr. Eliud Wabukala said politicians in the country have been interfering with corruption cases. He said leaders have raised alarm over graft but when action is taken they lead the line in demonstrations and defending culprits.
He said that in the last financial year, the Commission recovered illegally acquired assets valued at approximately Kshs 4.5 billion and obtained 51 convictions for corruption offences.
Dr. Dabar said that public funds estimated at Kshs 14.4 billion has been proactively disrupted from possible loss. “This year in particular, there has been unprecedented support and political will to address the menace of corruption. The President led the nation in an Anti-Corruption Conference where various sectors of our society publicly committed to combat corruption and promote good governance,” he said.
Dr. Dabar cited that the Commission remains committed to preventing corruption, enforcing the rule of law and recovering public assets that are corruptly acquired.
He said that there has been increased public support in anti-corruption initiatives which has created a conducive environment for law enforcement agencies to execute their respective mandates. “On behalf of the EACC we remain committed to preventing corruption, enforcing the rule of law and recovering public assets that are corruptly acquired,” he said.
However, he called on the political class and Kenyans at large to help fight graft saying there is a need for more transparency and accountability. He added that the Commission is on the forefront in undertaking system reviews and in-depth Corruption Risk Assessment in the national and County governments. “As a result, the space for the corrupt to operate freely in Kenya is increasingly narrowing by the day,” he said.
West Pokot leaders led by Governor John Lonyangapuo said many corruption cases have been recorded in Kenya as many people use short cuts to get rich. He called on County workers and other Kenyans to respect summons in case implicated in corruption cases.