I don't fear anybody, says nominee for top EACC job

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission CEO nominee Twalib Abdallah Mbarak during vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, yesterday. [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission CEO nominee, Maj (rtd) Twalib Mbarak told a parliamentary committee that he was ready to confront graft cartels.

Appearing before the parliamentary Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Mbarak vowed that he will restore confidence in EACC’s mandate of fighting corruption.

The 53-year-old former military intelligence officer’s composure, demeanor and mastery of the commission’s operations appeared to wow MPs. And so was his honesty on the difficulties that come with the job and resolve to close ranks with other agencies to fight corruption.

“Corruption fights back but I have a skin of a ‘rhino’. I don’t fear anybody and only committed to execute the duties of my office. If I don’t deliver, my team will not. It all starts with me, if as CEO I wobble, my staff will do the same,” he said.

He added: “Corruption is a like a baboon causing chaos in the farm. You kill it and the others will run. Corruption is like a lifestyle infectious disease and cannot be solved by convictions alone.” Mbarak warned would-be detractors that he is only answerable to Kenyans through reports submitted to Parliament and public forums.

The committee chairman William Cheptumo (Baringo North) had sought to know how he will deal with external powerful forces out to influence investigations.

“I am not answerable to high authority. I will be reporting to Parliament through a detailed report. Its not an individual thing. When you stick to the law the others will take off and their accomplices get the message,” he said.

He commended the work of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation: “DCI George Kinoti has been arresting anybody. This work requires personality devoid of fear. My focus will be to redeem the image of EACC, set systems, conduct staff audit to establish gaps and strengthen them,” he said.