County procurement offices targeted in war against graft

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko Photo:Courtesy

The anti-corruption agency has announced plans to conduct a lifestyle audit targeting junior officers in counties.

This follows reports that corruption was rife in counties, especially in procurement departments. This emerged at the close of a one-week induction workshop for senators held at Simba Lodge Naivasha.

During the retreat, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) called for support from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Senate to arrest and prosecute county officers misusing public funds.

According to EACC'a vice chairperson, Sophie Lepuchirit, corruption had seen some county workers become millionaires overnight.

Ms Lepuchirit said the agency was keen to follow up on individuals whose lifestyle did not march their jobs and salaries.

“We have seen some county officers who months ago were riding bicycles but they are now living in big houses and driving state-of-the-art vehicles,” she said.

The commissioner called on governors to support the agency in its investigations and help identify officers involved in graft.

Addressing the press on the sidelines of the meeting, Lepuchirit said the agency would also target former and current governors in the audit.

"We are doing a lot, we even have a former governor and his 29 officials who are currently facing charges of abuse of office," she said.

She exuded confidence that the commission would prosecute more county officers after it was given the mandate to go through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS).

Lepuchirit criticised the Judiciary's handling of corruption-related cases, terming it one of the stumbling blocks in efforts to fight corruption.

“Last year we arrested a senior resident magistrate and a clerk for corruption but the court released the magistrate and jailed the clerk,” she said.

Council of Governors Chairman Josphat Nanok said all the 47 governors were looking forward to working with the current Senate.

He admitted that the previous Senate did not work smoothly with governors because many of its members were eyeing their county's top seat.

“The current Senate and even the Council of Governors have persons who have served from both sides and understand the challenges facing the country,” he said.