EACC warns public officials using families as corruption proxies
Oginde called on Parliament to support the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to address gaps in existing laws and strengthen anti-corruption frameworks.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns over a troubling trend where public officials exploit family members as proxies to misappropriate public funds.
Speaking during the launch of the EACC Annual Report for the Financial Year 2023/2024, EACC Chairperson David Oginde condemned the practice, stressing that it undermines efforts to combat corruption and diminishes the moral foundation of families in society.
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“We have observed an emerging pattern where public officials are enrolling close family members as conduits for the theft of public funds, thus negating the divine role of the family as the foundation of virtues. We call upon family members to refuse to be enlisted in corrupt deals. Instead, parents should take up their roles in shaping societal morality,” Oginde said.
The Commission highlighted several significant achievements, including completing investigations into corruption, economic crimes, and unethical conduct, which led to a recommendation for the prosecution of suspects.
The Commission said it recovered assets worth Sh2.9 billion, some of which were acquired through corruption or unexplained wealth, and filed 47 new civil suits aimed at recovering assets worth Sh9.2 billion.
Through proactive investigations, EACC said it disrupted corruption networks, preventing the loss of an estimated Sh2.9 billion in public funds.
The Commission also noted that it took steps to enforce compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution, issuing advisories, cautions, and notices to public entities and individuals.
“The Commission is currently pursuing over 400 cases for the forfeiture of assets worth approximately Sh49.5 billion that were acquired through corrupt means,” it said.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud highlighted several challenges the Commission faces, citing a weak legal and policy framework that hinders the effective implementation of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
He also noted the lack of commitment to accountability within Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and County Governments, where recommended corruption prevention measures have often not been implemented.
Oginde called on Parliament to support the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to address gaps in existing laws and strengthen anti-corruption frameworks.
He urged the public to fulfil their civic duties by refraining from engaging in or supporting corrupt practices and to report any instances of corruption.
“The corrupt fear adverse publicity more than the law,” Oginde said, acknowledging the media’s role in exposing and stigmatising corrupt conduct.
He also urged professionals such as architects, engineers, and accountants to refrain from using their expertise to facilitate corruption, and called on professional bodies to enforce their codes of conduct.
Oginde also called on religious organisations, urging them to take a firm stance against corruption and reject any donations that may have been obtained through corrupt means.
“We call upon religious organisations to rebuke corruption from the pulpit and intensify their role as custodians of morality in society,” he said.
The Chairperson further condemned the use of foul and abusive language by public leaders on social media and in public spaces, highlighting the negative impact it has on the younger generation.
“We reaffirm our collective responsibility as Kenyans in the fight against corruption. Together, we will win this battle,” Oginde said, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to its mandate and calling for collaboration in promoting good governance and accountability.
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