National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah has warned President William Ruto’s cabinet secretaries against undermining the government’s war on graft.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the Kikuyu MP asserted that he would not support CSs who act against the president, citing the former Athi Water CEO Michael Thuita fiasco, which rocked the Water Ministry led by CS Alice Wahome.
He cautioned the CSs not to count on their ethnic background and pre-2022 relations with the President, adding that the war on graft was non-negotiable.
“On matters advancing government policies, I will do what I can to advance that on behalf of the CS. However, on matters touching on transparency, there shall be no compromise. I will not defend any CS.
Kandara MP Alice Wahome at the Makindi Primary School after inspecting the renovation of classrooms aon Thursday, September 15, 2022.
Hon. Alice Wahome
“When you were given the responsibility, then you were given the mandate to work for Kenyans and not for people from your community. Don’t work to protect officers because they came from your backyard,” he cautioned.
Regarding the work of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the lawmaker apprised the CSs that they do not have the power to direct the operations of the independent offices.
He offered his support for the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2022, which seeks to grant EACC more powers when handling graft-related cases linked to public offices.
Ichung’wah’s warning came after reports alleged that Water CS Alice Wahome wrote to EACC to counter an advisory over the suspension of the former Athi River CEO.
He, however, noted that the truth regarding the alleged letter was yet to be known.
“Ministers and other senior government officials must never imagine that they can write to EACC to ask for the complainant before acting.
“In fact, EACC does not need a complainant. They can move on their own motion and investigate anybody including me,” he added.
Thuita resigned on September 23, after months of push by EACC following investigations into misappropriation of funds in the agency.
The involvement of the former CEO in the saga is yet to be detailed.
A photo of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Offices at Integrity Centre in Nairobi taken on November 18, 2019.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke
