The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Twalib Mbarak has called out Narok Senator Ledama Olekina for alleging that the commission played a role in enacting the Conflict-of-Interest Bill, 2023.
In a statement, EACC accused Ledama of making false allegations and misleading the country about the content of the bill and the implications of the amendments introduced by the Senate.
“Senator Olekina lied to Kenyans apparently to shift public focus from the disastrous nature of the amendments introduced to the Bill which, in effect, cripple the fight against corruption perpetuated through conflict of interest, especially in the counties,” EACC said in a statement.
“In an attempt to justify the Senate’s unanimous adoption of his amendments mutilating the Conflict of Interest, 2023, Senator Olekina dismissed the Bill as a useless product sponsored by EACC in cahoots with an international organization.”
The bill was to bar all public officers from trading with public entities in which they work.
However, Twalib mentioned that the Senate removed the prohibition, in effect, allowing public officials to trade with their employers, award or influence the award of tenders to themselves, family members or associated, without sanctions.
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EACC Calls Out on Ledama
EACC said that contrary to Ledama’s allegations, the Bill in question is a Cabinet Bill which was tabled in the National Assembly and Senate by the respective Majority Leaders.
“The Commission wishes to clarify that whereas it has legitimate interest in all anti- corruption legislation, including those pending in Parliament, the Commission takes great exception to the Senator’s allegations that it sponsored the Bill whether on its own motion or on behalf of the alleged international actors,” EACC further said.
It also said that the bill is currently under enactment by both Senate and the National Assembly.
Twalib said the senator was out of order in imputing improper motive on the commission and launching verbal attacks and insults directed at EACC.
“The Commission condemns Senator Ledama’s false, malicious and misleading information regarding the nature and import of the amendments introduced by the Senate to the Conflict-of-Interest Bill, and his sustained attacks and insults directed to the Commission,” Twalib remarked.
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The CEO added that conflict of interest is the bedrock of corruption scandals investigated by EACC, out of which thousands of suspects, including 10 Governors have been charged in Court.
The commission urged political leaders to desist from politicizing the fight against corruption but rather support the fight by strengthening legal frameworks to address current legal bottlenecks that are inimical to public accountability.
In particular, the EACC called upon parliament to consider dropping all the amendments introduced by the Senate to the initial Bill which pose a direct threat to the existing mechanisms for protection of public funds from theft and misuse.
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