EACC Stripped Off Investigative Powers In New Plan To Curb Corruption

The government plans to strip the Ethics and Anti corruption commission (EACC) powers and vest them on the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

In the new structure the DCI will be tasked with posting officers to all counties to investigate corruption cases. EACC officers will now be reduced to investigating ethical issues within the public service

This is said to be a strategy to boost the president’s war on corruption. This change is in line with his speech during Mashujaa Day where he stated that he intends to streamline both departments to enhance the fight against corruption.

The president had directed the EACC to prepare guidelines and regulations to allow the investigative bodies to access the wealth declarations of public officers.

He explained that the move was to help the people who are deemed to be untouchable to also be arrested if linked to corruption.

Read: Activists, Journalists Want Woman Lured Into Police Trap By Nation Journalists Released

“I have also directed actions that will reduce wastage of public funds and make government departments more accountable and efficient. I’m aware that every taxpayer’s shilling is hard earned, and that it must be translated to services that make a positive impact in the lives of our people,” said President Kenyatta.

In the recent past there has been an overlap in matters relating to corruption as both the DCI  and EACC officers were investigating similar issues.

It was insinuated that the EACC was almost disbanded or overhauled as they are said to have failed in the mandate.

The Eliud Wabukhala led commission however got a life line in August after a meeting with the president saying that they had a difficult time pursuing their investigations as a result of interference from other bodies such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the DCI and the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

Do you have a story you want told? Do you know of a sensitive story you would like us to get our hands on? Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com