MPs endorse Bishop Eliud Wabukala as new EACC boss

Parliament has approved the nomination of retired Anglican Archbishop Eliud Wabukala as the new anti-corruption agency boss.

MPs yesterday unanimously supported Wabukala's nomination as the new chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), with the lawmakers exuding confidence he will slay the graft dragon.

Majority Leader Aden Duale and his Minority counterpart Francis Nyenze led the House in endorsing the former Anglican Church leader, cautioning him that the fight against corruption will not be a walk in the park.

"I wish the retired archbishop the very best. Where he is going is not the Anglican Church, neither is it a religious activity. He is walking to a dangerous institution called the EACC, where corruption fights back," warned the Garissa Township legislator.

Duale noted during the two terms he has served as an MP, he had participated in selecting three of Kenya's five anti-corruption czars, saying he hopes Wabukala will deliver.

"I participated in the process of nominating past anti-corruption bosses including PLO Lumumba, Mumo Matemu, Philip Kinisu and now Archbishop Wabukala. We pray for you and hope you make a difference. It is my hope that we won't have a motion against you," he said.

Nyenze noted Wabukala's religious background and 10 years of experience as an official and member of the National Anti-corruption Campaign Steering Committee qualified him for the job.

"He is a man of God, tried and tested, and has the requisite qualifications and experience in the field of fighting the vice. I have a lot of trust he will deliver in his new capacity as the IEBC boss, where other people have come and gone," he said.

The Kitui West MP told Wabukala to be ready to be fought by corruption cartels.

Nyenze said the cleric's declaration that he is not interested in accumulating wealth or doing business with the government will be his saving grace.