EACC wants tougher law before next year's General Election

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Attorney General are pushing for amendments to the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 to establish more stringent procedures and mechanisms of enforcing the law. PHOTO: COURTESY

Politicians and public officers who do not declare their wealth will not be allowed to vie in next year's General Election.

The officers also risk serving jail terms because they will have failed to adhere to the ideals of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Attorney General are pushing for amendments to the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 to establish more stringent procedures and mechanisms of enforcing the law.

CHAPTER SIX

Speaking yesterday at Kenya School of Monetary Studies during a workshop for implementation of Chapter Six of the Constitution for responsible commissions in the national government, EACC Chief Executive Halakhe Waqo said public officers continue to break the law on leadership and integrity.

"We initiated 147 investigations into ethical breaches last year. We have concluded 56 investigations but cases of ethical breaches are rampant in the public service," the CEO said.

He named failure to declare income assets and liabilities, falsification of certificates, conflict of interest, absconding of official duty, nepotism, favouritism, sexual harassment and dual citizenship as the most common ethical breaches.