Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-28 16:49:34
The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) recently found itself in a contentious situation with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, over allegations made by the latter about the anti-graft agency. The EACC did not take kindly to Faith’s claims of consistent withdrawal of court cases by the commission, dismissing them as untrue and baseless.
In a statement, the EACC expressed shock and embarrassment at Faith’s allegations, particularly coming from someone in her position. They challenged her to provide evidence of one instance where the commission had withdrawn a pending court case, questioning the validity of her accusations. The EACC also raised doubts about Faith’s understanding of Kenya’s anti-corruption law enforcement processes, suggesting that she should have conducted proper research before making such claims.
According to the EACC, they do not support the withdrawal of cases that are detrimental to the public interest, contrary to Faith’s assertions. The commission stood by its commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in their work.
Faith Odhiambo’s criticisms of the EACC came in the wake of a survey conducted by the commission, which revealed widespread corruption in various government institutions. The survey identified the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) as the agency where the highest amount of bribes was demanded by employees, followed by the Judiciary. Individuals seeking services such as passports and police abstracts also reported having to pay significant sums of money to expedite their requests.
During a panel discussion on Citizen TV, Faith Odhiambo highlighted the need for the EACC to address corruption within its own ranks before embarking on campaigns to combat corruption in other sectors. She called out the agency for what she perceived as hypocrisy, urging them to clean up their internal systems before pointing fingers at others.
The dispute between the EACC and LSK President Faith Odhiambo underscores the challenges faced in the fight against corruption in Kenya. It highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and collaboration between government agencies and civil society organizations to combat this pervasive issue. As the debate continues, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together towards a corruption-free society where the rule of law is upheld, and public resources are safeguarded for the benefit of all citizens.
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