New bill seeks to give EACC more powers

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) may have prosecutorial powers to punish those involved in economic crimes, if a draft bill sails through Parliament.

The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Amendment Bill 2015, seeks to grant the agency powers to prosecute economic crimes and unethical conduct in the public service.

If passed into law, investigation, processing, prosecution and conclusion of crimes will be hastened and end the incessant turf wars between EACC and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba, who has sponsored the bill, says if passed into law, it will promote the enforcement of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.

"Graft fights back and it fights viciously. Once passed, the bill will hasten investigation, processing, prosecution and conclusion of crimes while reducing the workload of the DPP," he said.

Namwamba cited that the amendment will also oblige EACC to report to the National Assembly annually on the progress of prosecution of graft and economic crimes.

The bill proposes that EACC will have power to direct the Inspector General of Police to investigate any information or allegation of criminal conduct with regard to a violation of Chapter Six and the IG will comply with such a direction.

It also proposes to establish Kenya Anti-Corruption Advisory Board whose principal function is to advise the commission on the exercise of its powers and the performance of its functions.