Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has said that it has the greenlight from the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji to arrest and charge over 20 governors as graft probe intensifies.
According to reports, some of those who have recorded statements over corruption in counties have been erecting hurdles to scuttle investigations in the last four years.
The cases have mainly stalled due to court injunctions, therefore, delaying prosecution over graft allegations, abuse of office, failure to comply with the law on management of public funds and fraudulent acquisition of public property.
EACC said that “it was difficult to nail them (suspects)” but after combing through the files, they had gathered watertight evidence to prosecute the high-profile individuals.
One governor is accused of accumulating wealth, which he was unable to explain despite his claims he acquired the property after serving as a legislator for two terms.
According to detectives, the governor could not explain how he built a palatial upcountry home valued at Sh100 million and two residences in the city.
A deputy governor is being investigated over properties built and acquired in Kileleshwa, Embakasi, Lavington and Kasarani estates, all valued at Sh320 million.
EACC is also closing in on at least 227 members of the county assembly for various omissions and unethical behaviour.
A top EACC official said they are not working on new cases but old and active. He, however, added that the commission has fast tracked the cases that have been pending for several years.
The source added that some of the cases—except those Samburu governor Moses Lenolkulal and Okoth Obado (Migori)—date back to 2013 when EACC recorded statements from the affected persons. Former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero’s case is already before court.
Others who have recorded statements with EACC include Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Martin Wambora (Embu), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), Samuel Ragwa (Tharaka Nithi), Godana Doyo (Isiolo), Sospeter Ojaamong(Busia) and Nathif Jama (Garissa).
EACC has proposed an amendment to the law to empower the commission to monitor wealth declaration digitally in order to mitigate the ongoing graft in the national and county governments.