The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has refuted reports that it had concluded investigations into corruption cases that involved several high-profile politicians.
According to the flagged statement, the commission had concluded the investigations and forwarded the names of the said politicians to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as well as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further analysis and publications.
The names listed on the list included National Assembly Leader of Majority, Kimani Ichung’wah, President William Ruto‘s aide Farouk Kibet, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Also on the list was Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi, former National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPD) Chief Executive Officer Newton Terer and the Kenya Pipeline Company Joe Sang.
“We successfully completed investigation on individuals we believe, through acts of commission, directly benefited from the various corruption scandals.
“The individuals used close associates, whose links we have established, to defraud the public under various companies as shown in the attached annexure. We request your office to guide us on how we will move with the prosecution of the following individuals,” the fake letter read in part.
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EACC Blasts LSK President Over False Remarks
At the same time, EACC bashed the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo for remarks she made during an interview with Citizen TV.
In a statement on Friday, March 28, evening, the commission called out the LSK president for saying that it had failed as an institution because it was withdrawing important cases.
EACC said that it did not have power to withdraw any cases, accusing Odhiambo of failing to gather basic facts before speaking on national television. Additionally, the commission called on Odhiambo to directly name any such cases that had been withdrawn.
“It is not only shocking but also embarrassing for a person of the standing of the LSK President to display such ignorance of basic facts regarding the anti-corruption law enforcement process in Kenya.
“Does EACC have the power to withdraw corruption cases of a criminal nature? For civil matters that the Commission takes to court directly, can she state any single case that the Commission has ever withdrawn from court?” questioned the commission.
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How to Check for False Statements
The first red flag detected by The Kenya Times on the circulating letter purported to be from EACC was that it was signed by Halakhe Waqo, who is not the current EACC CEO.
At the same time, the letter was dated May 6, 2018, and could not have been released in 2024. Additionally, the titles indicated for the said politicians were not accurate or up to date. for instance, Kipchumba Murkomen was referred to as the Senator, Elgeyo Marakwet.
In December 2023, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) cautioned the public about tactics employed by scammers to deceive unsuspecting Kenyans online.
DCI highlighted the use of a method called phishing, where scammers aim to obtain mobile and personal details illicitly. They achieve this by enticing victims with fake job offers and other incentives.
“After engaging with the victim, the scammer presents the job as simple, requiring completion of a few tasks. Often, this comes with promises of financial rewards or other enticing offers,” the statement explained.
“As the scam progresses, the scammers introduce complications, claiming difficulties in transferring funds. They then prompt victims to download specific applications purportedly to facilitate the transfer process,” Indicated the directorate.
