EACC relaxes position on harambees

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has moved to ease tension between it and elected leaders over harambees.

The directive from the anti-graft body was seen to have targeted the MPs and governors.

EACC Chairman Mumo Matemu said they will not bar elected members from conducting fundraisers but urged them to ensure they do so within the provisions of the law.

He, however, said EACC will not relent to take action against any elected leader who violates the Leadership and Integrity Act (2012) by engaging in harambees to woo political support from the people.

"The commission is dissecting the law, and we do not bar political leaders from helping members of their communities through fundraising. We are only saying they should work within the law," he said.

Integrity awards

Mumo was speaking in Nairobi yesterday at the Integrity Award Scheme consultative breakfast. He pointed out that corruption and impunity have been a major hinderance to the development of the country.

The two vices, he said, have undermined the rule of law, created state capture, stifled economic growth, increased poverty, inequity, social injustice and unfairness in society, and contributed to environmental degradation thus posing a great threat to sustainable development.

The commission's Integrity Awards aim to recognise and award the institutionalisation and practices of integrity concerns. The award will recognise any creative initiative implemented by individual(s) and institution(s) which constitute tangible contribution to the fight against corruption.

"Those who stood firm when others were pilfering public property should be awarded," he said.