Why anti-graft chiefs can't be sworn in

By PETER OPIYO

The swearing in of two of the three commissioners at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission would be in vain without the Chairman of the Commission.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Assistant Minister William Cheptumo told Parliament that the operations of the anti-graft body can only be executed effectively if the Chairman is sworn in as well.

The swearing in of the nominee to the position, Mr Mumo Matemu has been halted as the matter is before the court. This has as a consequence also stalled the swearing in of the two commissioners who are not affected by the case. The case against the Chairman is to be decided by court Thursday.

Cheptumo said though there is no court order barring the other two commissioners, Irene Keino and Jane Onsongo, from taking office, having them at the Integrity Centre offices would not make any significant difference in terms of the operations of the anti-graft body.

“We feel we should not act in vain. This is a very important commission. Even if we proceed and they are sworn in, they may not be able to execute the functions as stipulated in the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act,” Mr Cheptumo said.

He said even in cases where decisions are to be taken through a vote, it would be difficult to break a tie in a case where only the two commissioners are sworn in.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto said it was unfair to block the two from taking office just because a court case touches on the Chairman as Kisumu Town West MP, Olago Aluoch said there was no requirement that bars the other commissioners to be sworn in without the Chairman.

The case was filed in Nakuru but has since been moved to Nairobi and its determination is scheduled for Thursday.

To avoid suspicion on the operations at the anti-graft body, Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni asked the minister to avail all pending corruption cases at the time of the departure of former director PLO Lumumba so that the cases can be tracked when the new officials take office.

Mr Cheptumo said the ministry has nothing to hide and that they would avail the cases as they are critical information that ought to be known by the public.