Mohamud pledges firm commitment to his oath of office as he takes over as CEO at EACC
13:01:2025: The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Mr Abdi Ahmed Mohamud, has promised to commit unambiguously and faithfully to his oath of office. He was speaking at his swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court before the Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Martha Koome this morning. Mr Mohamud takes over from the former CEO, Mr. Twalib Mbarak, who exited the Commission on Friday, January 10, 2025, upon the expiry of his 6-year term. “I wish to offer my unequivocal commitment and fidelity to the oath of Office that I subscribed to in combating corruption, economic crime, and unethical conduct in the country,” he said. He further stated that whereas EACC will continue to enforce the law as mandated, in the future, it will prioritize tracing and recovering corruptly acquired assets, corruption prevention, and the creation of partnerships in the fight against corruption. Mr. Mohamud said that he is acutely aware of the huge responsibility and expectations that Kenyans bestow upon the Commission and is cognizant of the adverse effects of corruption on a nation’s well-being. The immediate former Deputy CEO committed to reinvigorating existing anti-corruption strategies and enlisting the support and participation of key actors, especially the youth. The ceremony was attended by senior EACC Officials led by Chairperson Dr David Oginde. Also, in attendance were the Chairperson of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly (JLAC) Hon. George Murugara, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service Mr Eliud Lagat and Mr Alloys Kemo, Ag—Secretary of Public Prosecutions, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Igonga.
Pertaining counts 2 – 8 and 9 – 13, the evidence on record has generated persuasion in my mind that the Prosecution has made a prima facie case against each accused, warranting a Defense from each of them – Magistrates’ Anti-Corruption Court in Case No. 1 of 2020, Republic vs. Kioko Mike Sonko Mbuvi Gideon
EACC empowers PCF officials in integrity assurance
20:12:2024: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)’s National Integrity Academy has trained senior officials from the Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF) in Integrity Assurance. The training aims to build their capacity to spearhead anti-corruption initiatives within their institution, including corruption prevention, policy development, reporting mechanisms, and monitoring and evaluation. Addressing the participants, the academy’s head, Dr. Josphine Monyi, highlighted professionals’ critical role in combating corruption within the public service. “We invite professionals to join in the fight against corruption. I kindly urge you to be ethical and active participants in this fight,” she said. Dr. Monyi also encouraged participant feedback to enhance the course’s effectiveness. Participants engaged in practical sessions, individual projects, and comprehensive course content to equip them with the tools to implement effective anti-corruption measures. The programme, which ran from December 16 to December 20, 2024, is part of broader efforts by the EACC to equip public officials across ministries, agencies, and county governments with the tools to uphold integrity and transparency in their work. Policyholders Compensation Fund Enhances Insurance Sector Confidence. Mr. Patrick Ashiruma (in the photo above), assistant director at the academy, applauded participants for their cooperation and active involvement. He commended their efforts throughout the training period and expressed confidence in their ability to apply the concepts learned. Ashiruma challenged the attendees to become integrity ambassadors, emphasizing their potential to add value to the Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF). “I believe you will be our integrity ambassadors and make a meaningful impact,” he said. The Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF) is a State Corporation under the National Treasury established through Legal Notice No. 105 of 2004. It began operations in January 2005. The fund’s primary role is to compensate claimants of insurers placed under statutory management while also boosting public confidence in the insurance sector. It was created in response to the collapse of several insurance companies before 2005 and operates under Section 179 of the Insurance Act (Cap 487) and the 2014 amendment regulations. All the attendees were awarded certificates, having completed the Integrity Assurance Training course.
Ugandan Legislators benefit from EACC’s Integrity Governance Initiative
19:12:2024: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has, through its training wing, the National Integrity Academy (NIAca), finalized a one-week capacity-building program for a delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Uganda. The Executive Leadership and Integrity Training program equipped the MPs with the skills necessary to promote ethical practices and good governance in their legislative roles. The initiative served as a platform for African leaders to address governance challenges, share practical experiences, and develop actionable strategies. Key discussions centred on ethical leadership, anti-corruption frameworks, and fostering institutional integrity. Speaking during the programme’s official opening, EACC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdi Mohamud (pictured above with Uganda’s Leader of Opposition and head of the delegation, Hon. Joel Besekezi Ssenyonyi), underscored the critical role of ethical governance in public service. “Ethics is the foundation upon which we build trust, respect, and strong relationships,” he said. Highlighting Kenya’s successes in asset recovery and the use of technology to combat corruption, he reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing ethical governance. The program, held at Safaripark Hotel from December 2nd to 6th, 2024, also highlighted Kenya’s anti-corruption successes, especially EACC’s recovery of unexplained wealth, and strategies for enhancing regional cooperation towards a corruption-free East African Community. Mr. Joel Besekezi Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Uganda and head of the delegation, acknowledged the corruption challenges in Uganda, citing reports that nearly half of public revenue is misappropriated. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation to combat corruption and emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize service delivery. “Leadership is not about power, it is about service and leaving a legacy of integrity,” he said. EACC CEO Mr. Twalib Mbarak lauded the partnership between Kenya and Uganda and advocated for continued regional collaboration to enhance governance frameworks and build public trust. “With a renewed focus on ethics, both nations can strengthen governance and foster accountability,” he said. The training featured sessions on practical tools for embedding ethics in leadership, such as corruption risk assessments, systems reviews, and integrity testing. It also emphasized the importance of whistle-blower protection, robust anti-corruption policies, and strategies to recover unexplained wealth and enhance transparency. Facilitators urged participants to “do the right thing even when no one is watching.” Personal accounts of navigating ethical dilemmas highlighted the value of collaboration, reflection, and open dialogue in leadership. The Ugandan delegation recommended integrating ethics training as a standard practice in public institutions across East Africa. They suggested clear policies, regular audits, and mentorship programs to foster transparency and accountability. At the program’s conclusion, EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde awarded participants certificates. The initiative aligns with EACC’s mission to promote anti-corruption efforts and enhance regional ethical governance. Leaders shared personal accounts of navigating ethical dilemmas, emphasizing the value of collaboration, reflection, and open dialogue.
The learned trial magistrate made a grave error when he used a substituted charge sheet to decide whether, on the totality of the evidence adduced, a prima facie case had been established against the defendants – High Court in Anti-Corruption Criminal Appeal No. E016 of 2022
Two former Isiolo County Chief Officers arraigned for procurement fraud
17:12:2024: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested and arraigned two former Isiolo County Chief Officers for failure to comply with procurement laws and abuse of office in the irregular award of a tender worth Kes163.4 million for the supply of car hire and transport services to Debasiti Contractors and Supplies Limited. Giro Liban and Kenneth Turibu Maorwe were charged yesterday, December 16th, 2024 before Chief Magistrate Lucy Mutai. They pleaded not guilty to all the eight counts of willful failure to comply with the procurement law contrary to Section 45(2)(b) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003, and four counts of abuse of office contrary to Section 46 as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2023. EACC commenced investigations into the matter after receiving allegations that the County Government of Isiolo was in the process of making a fraudulent payment of approximately Kes163,377,754 to various suppliers for goods not delivered. Investigations established that the County Government contracted Dabasiti Contractors and Suppliers Ltd to supply food items and hire transport services. The two procurement processes with the Office of the Governor as the user department were commenced without a procurement plan and budget. Further investigations established that, despite several demands, the County failed to pay the Contractor Kes8.4 million for the transport services and Kes17 million for the relief food. The contractor sued the County for the outstanding amounts and subsequently obtained summary judgment for the amounts owed. Investigations also established that the County engaged the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and the Pending Bills Verification Task Force Committee (PBVC) to validate the bills it owed. The OAG and PBVC, in their respective reports, classified the contractor’s debt as an eligible pending bill and recommended payment. The County and the contractor entered into a consent for payment of the outstanding sums. The County has since settled the bills. On 22nd July 2024, EACC compiled and forwarded a report to the DPP with recommendations to charge the two officials. Through a letter dated 4th November 2024, the DPP concurred. The Court released them on Kes1 million cash bail each and bonds of a similar amount. The case, whose hearing has been set for February 26 and 27, 2025, will be mentioned next week on December 23, 2024, for directions.
Back to the drawing board for Sonko as High Court overturns his acquittal in Kes20m corruption case
13:12:2024: It is not yet over for the former Nairobi City County Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and his co-accused, Antony Ombok Jamal, in a Kes20 million graft case. The two will now face a retrial after the High Court overturned their acquittal in HCACEC EO 16/2022, finding that the trial court erred in law by relying on the original charge sheet to acquit them after the same had been amended. The Director of Public Prosecutions acted on EACC’s recommendations and instituted Milimani Anti-Corruption Case No. 1 of 2020 Republic vs. Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Others on January 27th, 2020. After that, the charge sheet was amended on September 7th, 2020, and fresh charges were read against the accused on September 14th, 2022. They were charged with various offenses, including money laundering, conflict of interest, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, with the Prosecution calling 19 witnesses. However, on December 21st, 2022, the trial court, relying on the original charge sheet instead of the amended one, acquitted the accused persons for lack of compelling evidence that would warrant putting them to their defense. The ODPP, dissatisfied with the ruling, appealed the decision on December 22nd, 2022 vide the High Court Anti-Corruption Appeal No. E016 of 2022 DPP vs. Mike Mbuvi Sonko and 2 others. The DPP contended, among others, that the trial Magistrate grossly misdirected himself by relying on an old charge sheet in making a finding that the charges were defective. This Wednesday, the High Court agreed with the petition and found that the trial court erred in law by relying on the original charge sheet, which, having been amended, was deemed dead to acquit the accused. Thus, the former Governor of Nairobi City County and his co-accused will appear before the Anti-Corruption Trial Court for submissions on whether they have a case to answer based on the proper charge sheet.
EACC: We will collaborate with the youth to develop a culture of integrity
10:12:2024: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is working on an anti-corruption legal and policy advocacy framework through which young people can champion laws, regulations, and policies in both the corporate and public space that will enhance good governance, the Commission’s Chairperson, Dr. David Oginde, has said. Dr. Oginde (pictured above) was giving a keynote address yesterday during the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) at Strathmore University. IACD has been observed annually on December 9 since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 31 October 2003 to raise public awareness for anti-corruption. In Kenya, it is organized by EACC in partnership with the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF). This year’s IACD theme, ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,’ focused on empowering young people as key drivers in the fight against corruption. The commemoration brought together participants from diverse sectors, development partners, the public, and especially the youth whose associations were represented by leaders from the Ethics Ambassadors Network, Kenya Young Parliamentarian Association, SOS Children’s Villages, the University of Nairobi, and Strathmore University. The fight against corruption, Dr. Oginde said, is a fight for justice, good governance, and the future of our country. He said young people have the energy, creativity, and passion that, if channeled correctly, could bring down the giant of corruption. In undertaking its mandate, the Chairperson said the Commission wants to collaborate with all stakeholders in learning institutions and all other places where they are found to develop a culture of integrity, ethics, and good use of public resources. “We have established several measures to help educate our young people. We have school outreach programmes targeting institutions of learning at all levels to help our young people begin to develop a culture of integrity. We have established integrity clubs to promote values and ethics and develop attitudes of honesty, service, ethics, and moral conduct among young people. The Commission has participated in developing curricula that can entrench ethics and integrity within our education sector. If taken seriously, these measures could help us move in the direction we need to go,” he said. Corruption, he said, starts at a personal level. It is, therefore, a choice you make that you want to be ethical in your conduct when you are still young. He urged everyone to develop a personal moral conscience, an internal sense of right and wrong, so you do not need a police officer, a parent, or EACC to distinguish what is bad for you. He also urged the youth to develop a personal moral identity and shun group mentality. Your moral identity, he said, can be founded on the guidance of your parents, teachers, or God, which then becomes a stand that guides what you do when in an ethical dilemma. The Chairperson, who was the guest of honor at the commemoration, also challenged the youth to refuse to participate in corrupt activities like cheating in exams, acquiring fake certificates, bribing for jobs, or selling their bodies for favors. He called upon them to whistle-blow on corruption, share innovative ideas to help combat it in the face of technological advancement, and get off the fence and participate in governance processes. The Commission’s CEO designate also addressed the occasion. Mr. Abdi Mohamud Ahmed pledged to ramp up partnerships with the youth and other key stakeholders in the fight against corruption. “Partnership with the youth, in our assessment, is very critical in the fight against corruption. As we move forward into next year, as a Commission, partnership with the youth and other stakeholders in the fight against corruption will be critical and key in the activities we will be undertaking,” he said. Mr. Ahmed called on the youth to practice their aspirations into adulthood and not change after acquiring leadership positions. Also present at the commemorations were the Vice Chancellor Strathmore University, Dr. Vincent Ogutu, CEO National Youth Council, Gloria Wawira, Executive Director Transparency International – Kenya, Sheila Masinde, Director International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Maureen Mimnaugh, Regional Representative UNODC, Ashita Mittal, British High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Neil Wigan, and H.E Ambassador Henriette Geiger, European Union Ambassador to Kenya.
Anti-Corruption Civil Recovery Suits need not always be conviction-based. They may be filed where there has been no prior conviction and even in lieu of criminal prosecution. The choice is at the free election of the anti-corruption body – High Court in EACC vs Mzalendo Kibunja and 2 others – Case No. E027 of 2023
Dr. Oginde to the youth: Combat Corruption
05:12:2024: EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde has challenged the youth to channel their energy into combating corruption In a keynote address to the Kenya National Youth Forum on Corruption, hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Gigiri on December 2nd, 2024, Dr Oginde said corruption was the catalyst for key problems Kenya is facing, including poor infrastructure, unemployment, and worker unrest. Giving practical examples of addressing the scourge of corruption, Dr Oginde urged the Youth to focus on hard work and integrity rather than a culture of quick gains. The EACC Chairperson also urged the Youth to Step into leadership positions rather than fence-sit. “Leadership has never been about age but conviction in solving societal problems,” he said. Dr Oginde further urged young people to use technology to drive innovations proactively. “The world is waiting for your ideas and creativity, and I invite you to share innovative solutions with EACC that will help curb corruption in the country,” he said. He called upon the youth to aggressively stand up against corruption, noting that it was regrettable many young people didn’t see a problem with dishonest practices such as exam cheating, sex for marks, and bribes for employment. “No nation has ever thrived with corruption; therefore, the foundation you set today will determine the future,” Dr Oginde decried. In her remarks, UNODC’s Regional Representative for East Africa, Ms Ashitta Mittal urged all stakeholders to engage the youth constructively in combating corruption, noting that the youth have demonstrated that they are powerful forces driving transformative changes.