Lobby group accuses DPP of shielding graft suspects, warns economy is on brink
The Justice and Equity Council (UK chapter), through its chairman Sebastian Onyango, criticised the government’s recent move to form a multi-agency team to combat graft, dismissing it as unnecessary duplication.
A lobby group has warned that Kenya’s economy is on the brink of collapse owing to entrenched corruption, poor governance, and disregard for the rule of law.
The Justice and Equity Council (UK chapter), through its chairman Sebastian Onyango, criticised the government’s recent move to form a multi-agency team to combat graft, dismissing it as unnecessary duplication.
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Instead, the group urged the state to strengthen existing constitutional bodies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In its statement, the council accused DPP Renson Igonga of betraying public trust by shielding powerful individuals implicated in corruption scandals. It cited plea-bargain deals that drastically reduced penalties in high-profile cases, including the Sh1.9 billion Migori graft scandal involving former Governor Okoth Obado.
“The Office of the DPP has become a shield for looters of public funds,” the statement read, alleging that Igonga colluded with governors and politicians through fraudulent bargains and selective withdrawals of cases.
It further claimed that figures such as former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and ex-Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala had benefited from politically motivated protection.
The council warned that unless Igonga changes course, it would mobilise to petition for his removal and prosecution over abuse of office. “Enough is enough. The era of impunity is over,” the group said.
It further called on President William Ruto to abandon the creation of parallel anti-graft teams and instead empower existing watchdogs. It added that Parliament should take corruption allegations seriously, even recommending impeachment proceedings against the President if claims of graft within the House proved true.
Additionally, the council urged the DCI to investigate individuals making threats of election rigging, describing such utterances as criminal incitement that could destabilise national peace.
The group also appealed to Kenyans to remain vigilant and resist impunity. “Kenya belongs to its people, not to looters and their protectors. The time for decisive action is now.”
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