Bishop Oginde's promise to eradicate corruption as he takes over at EACC

Bishop David Oginde cited corruption as Kenya's worst enemy and vowed to stamp out the vice even as he took over on Tuesday as the new chairman of the anti-graft agency.

Among other measures, the former Christ is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) bishop said he will form strategic partnerships and strengthen intervention measures as he seeks to eradicate corruption.

Dr Oginde said he would seek to build on the successes of his predecessors at the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), including the former Anglican Church of Kenya head Archbishop Eliud Wabukhala, who he is succeeding.

"I will collaborate with other sectors to promote ethics, integrity, and good governance. To realize our goals in this course, we will be seeking support in strengthening the legal framework for the effective fight against corruption and recovery of corruptly acquired assets," Oginde said after he was sworn in at the Supreme Court of Kenya by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

And from a pulpit where he preached about salvation, truth, forgiveness, redemption, and honesty, among others, Bishop Oginde will now be seeking to smoke out those involved in corruption.

He said he is not overconfident as the task ahead of him is heavy. However, Oginde said he is ready to engage another gear and take the war against graft to a whole new level.

"Whereas I do not want to be presumptuous of what it will take to tackle this menace, I intend to build on the efforts of my predecessors, especially our immediate former chairman, Archbishop Eliud Wabukhala, under whose leadership the EACC experienced much stability and many assets were recovered," said Oginde.

He added: "Let us, at the onset, acknowledge that corruption is our worst enemy in this country. It is deep-rooted, and it is widespread. It continues to adversely impact every aspect of public life, especially the most vulnerable in the society. There is no doubt that this is the one thing that we must work at taming, if not eradicating if Kenya is to join the league of developed nations."

Oginde wears many hats; he is a doctor of leadership, an architect, and a theologian. However, out of these, what he has done most of his life is preaching.

Oginde, who holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Regent University in the US, served as the presiding bishop of CITAM between 2010 and 2020. He also served as the Chancellor of Pan Africa University from 2011 to 2021 and taught at Daystar University.

He succeeds Archbishop Wabukala who retired on January 17 after serving for six years.

Oginde's appointment follows his nomination by President William Ruto on March 11.

At the same time, eight members of a judicial task force that will investigate Shakahola deaths associated with controversial pastor Paul Makenzi, of Good News International Church in Kilifi County, were also sworn in by Justice Koome.

The task force that will be headed by Court of Appeal judge Jessie Lessit has Lady Justice (Rtd) Mary Kasango, politician Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Jonathan Lodompui, Dr Frank Njenga Dr Wanyama Musiambu, and Albert Musasia, as members.

Meanwhile, a 17-member team to review regulations governing religious organizations was also sworn in. The team is headed by former National Council of Churches of Kenya Secretary-General Rev Mutava Musyimi.

Last year alone, EACC announced it recovered 24 parcels of irregularly acquired land worth Sh 6.2 billion.

EACC was formed in 2011. Its first chairman Mumo Matemu resigned following a systematic campaign targeting commissioners of the anti-graft body by political leaders, including top Jubilee leadership.

Matemu's successor Philip Kinisu also left the Integrity Centre after his family was mentioned in the Sh791 million National Youth Service saga.

It was after Kinisu's departure that former President Uhuru Kenyatta entrusted Wabukhala with the responsibility of leading the war against corruption.

CJ Koome told Oginde that all Kenyans have their eyes on him noting that the biggest problem troubling the country is graft.

"I, therefore, urge you, together with the commissioners and staff of EACC, that as you discharge your mandate, you should always bear it in mind that Kenyans have vested in you a huge responsibility of leading the war against an enemy of our nation that erodes public trust in our public institutions, undermines development and threatens national security. It is a menace that must be confronted with courage, determination and integrity," said Koome.

[Additional reporting by Kamau Muthoni]