Matemu vows to deal firmly with corruption in counties

By KAMAU MAICHUHIE

Kenya: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has vowed to deal firmly with county governments that will engage in corruption.

The commission has promised to be extra vigilant to ensure that corruption is not devolved to the counties.

Commission Chairman Mumo Matemu said yesterday EACC would put in place stringent measures to safeguard devolved units from being turned into corruption dens.

Matemu said EACC would partner with counties in formulating anti-corruption strategies that will be used in fighting the vice in the devolved units.

 He said if corruption was not addressed with the seriousness that it deserves in the counties, it would deny Kenyans the fruits of devolution that they so yearn to reap.

The official warned county bosses against condoning corruption and nepotism, saying the commission will transparently investigate and firmly deal with corruption and abuse of office without fear or favour.

Opportunity to serve

 “It will not be business as usual for the counties. Their leaders should know it is their opportunity to serve and not an opportunity to eat. Counties have to put accountability systems in place and we are ready to help them do so. Whenever corruption is detected in the devolved units, we shall never shy away from  fully enforcing our mandate,” he said.

Matemu, who made the remarks in Thika when he paid a courtesy call on Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, said the success or failure of the devolved units will depend on how integrity is embraced in the counties.