Commision to investigate MPs over CDF use

By Faith Ronoh

The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) will investigate and if evidence found incriminate all former members of parliament who misappropriated the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

This comes after the National Taxpayers Authority (NTA) released a report on the utilisation and management of CDF cash in all constituencies.

EACC vice-chair, Commissioner Irene Keino, said the commission would investigate MPs who misused and failed to account for the kitty.

“There was no accountability in some constituencies where the funds were misused. We have launched investigation and the law will deal with those found to have misused the funds,” Keino said.

In the recent report released by NTA, Belgut, Runyenjes, Galole, Magarini, Kitutu Chache and Wajir West constituencies emerged top in terms of utilisation and management of the fund.

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Khwisero Constituency topped the list of poor management of funds followed closely by Isiolo North, Rongo, Ikolomani and Hamisi constituencies. NTA disclosed that Sh355 million was misused in 28 constituencies.

The deputy vice-chair said once the commission completes its investigation, it will release a report on the same and those found to have misappropriated the fund will not escape the law.

Corruption

“It really does not matter whether one has been re-elected or not. If we find sufficient evidence that the funds have been misappropriated then the law will deal with them,” she said.

Ms Keino, who was opening the Commission’s regional office in Eldoret, asked Kenyans to elect candidates who can manage and account for funds. She said with the introduction of county governments, development activities at county levels should be improved.

“We are asking Kenyans to be vigilant at the grassroots and report cases of corruption to our offices. The introduction of regional offices will also assist in accountability of funds,” she said.

She added: “Kenyans should monitor leaders and how they manage funds. If they identify cases of misappropriation, they should not hesitate to report them to us.”

The commission’s deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr Michael Mubea, disclosed that there has been an increase in the abuse of CDF and currently the commission has received complaints from 200 constituencies that are being investigated.