Ethics body ought to prosecute, panel told

By Vitalis Kimutai

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) should have been given prosecutorial powers, a vetting panel heard.

Jane Onsongo, a former assistant director in charge of education in the disbanded Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), said since EACC was vested with powers to investigate corruption cases, it should also prosecute them.

"Because the commission has not been given powers to prosecute, it is only prudent that it collaborates with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to ensure success of cases in court," Prof Osongo said.

She spoke during the vetting of EACC members, which started yesterday at the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Rose Mambo chairs the selection panel, with Carol Omondi, the Reverend Samuel Kobia, Florence Simbiri Jaoko, Levi Obonyo, Tache Gollo, Charles Kanjama, and John Tuta as members.

She said EACC should have more than three commissioners set to be appointed.

"The fact that three commissioners would be appointed makes it one with the lowest number among the commissions established under the new Constitution," Onsongo stated.

She also observed that KACC did not have monitoring and evaluation framework to gauge the impact of its activities in the fight against corruption.

"Corruption is so entrenched in the society that it has become a way of life for some. There is need for education and cultural re-engineering backed with political goodwill in Kenya if we have to win the fight against graft," Osongo said.

Samuel Omondi Oluoch, an economist, said there would be need for EACC to work closely with the media in fighting corruption.

"There should be holistic approach in the fight against corruption to bring on board the media, Judiciary, the general public, and other stakeholders," Oluoch said.

David Kariuki, an accountant, admitted he had not paid a loan advanced to him by the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) when he was studying at the university. He said he started re-paying a few weeks ago.

"It is true that for seven years I have not been repaying Helb loan as I suspended it when I enrolled for a Masters degree," Kariuki said.

Kariuki was at pains to explain why he had not been repaying the loans despite earning Sh240,000 per month.