Embattled Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson Mumo Matemu has resigned, dealing a second blow in recent weeks to the anti-graft agency at a time it is investigating some of Kenya’s biggest corruption scandals.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Matemu said he had tendered his resignation as the chairperson of the commission to the President in accordance with the EACC Act.
“I have taken this considered decision solely for the purpose of subordinating my personal rights and interests to the greater public good in the fight against corruption,” the statement signed by Matemu reads.
Matemu was the only commissioner remaining at the troubled agency, who was to face the tribunal chaired by retired High Court judge Jonathan Havelock after the two other commissioners resigned.
PROBE TRIBUNAL
This move will render the tribunal sworn in by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to investigate claims against him jobless.
Last month, the agency’s Vice Chairperson Irene Keino resigned while commissioner Jane Onsongo resigned in March.
Matemu’s exit is now set to cripple the commission, coming just less than two weeks before the expiry of the 60-day deadline on the investigations into the 175 graft suspects in the famous list of shame.
Last month, Matemu had said attempts to force him to resign were intended to lead to the disbanding of the commission.
He had earlier maintained that he would not resign despite the pressure. It is not known what exactly has made him change his mind.
Ms Keino said she had been promised a deputy ambassador’s position in Brazil in order to resign.
Parliament had passed a motion to eject Keino and Matemu from office for failure to execute their mandate, just days after the list of shame was tabled in Parliament.
This is the second time an EACC boss has been forced out of office when the fight against corruption was hitting fever pitch.
