I’m happy to be back, says Ringera

By Maureen Mudi

Embattled Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) Director Aaron Ringera has broken his silence over his controversial reappointment.

On Saturday, Ringera said he was happy he has been retained as the KACC director.

Responding to questions from the Press in Mombasa, Justice Ringera said: "I am delighted. I am happy".

He, however, refused to discuss the controversy that has greeted his reappointment, saying the matter was subject of a court case and Parliament was also discussing it.

Ringera told the reporters to ‘wait and see’ what plans he had outlined under his new tenure. He spoke after reading a speech at a convention for 73 State Counsel in Mombasa.

He defended his office against accusations of sleeping on the job.

The director said most court convictions on corrupt individuals are lenient and inconsequential.

"The Anti-Corruption and Economics Crimes Act 2003 imposes severe penalties for corruption offences…but the rigour of the law is not being applied, there should be a direct relationship between the gravity of the crime and the severity of the sentence," he said.

But Attorney General Amos Wako disclosed that files forwarded to him by KACC sometimes have had to be returned due to loopholes.

"The law requires that I set out why I did not accept recommendations of the authority to prosecute and when I return some files, I have reasons," said Wako.

Investigation process

The AG added that the authority is expected to file quarterly and annual reports to his office, which he in turn has to forward to Parliament.

"The same does not happen in the criminal department but I religiously ensure I submit my reports," he said.

He said the reports show the decisions he made on the files forwarded to him and stressed the process of investigation should be transparent.

Ringera noted that there have been 75 cases lodged in court as at June 30, adding that the sentences imposed ranged from fines of Sh10,000 to Sh400,000 and only in one case was the mandatory fine imposed.

"Furthermore, the jail terms imposed in default of payment range from three months to four years and only in eight out of the cases were the accused sentenced without the option of a fine," he said.

The official noted the Act prescribes a fine not exceeding Sh1million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both, and an additional mandatory fine equal to two times the amount of the benefit received.

He stressed that vision 2030 alludes to an environment of enhanced transparency and accountability.

"Where, our various systems in the three arms of government and the private sector will be so hostile to corruption and other malpractices, it will not matter who is appointed to what leadership role," said Ringera.

He stressed that those convicted should be discouraged by the punishments and be deprived of the ill-gotten wealth.