Abdi Mohamud gets MPs’ approval to be the next CEO of EACC

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Abdi Ahmed Mohamud is just a step away from becoming the commission's third CEO.

This is after the National Assembly on Wednesday adopted the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee report that recommended his approval.

On Tuesday, Abdi faced the committee led by Tharaka MP George Murugara for vetting where he was allowed to elaborate on why he is the most suitable person to succeed outgoing CEO Twalib Mbarak.

"That taking into consideration the findings of the committee on the vetting of the nominee, this House approves appointment of Mohamud as the secretary and CEO of the EACC," the report said.

The endorsement followed spirited debates where MPs praised his qualifications, experience, and integrity, calling him the right candidate to lead the fight against corruption in Kenya.

Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro commended Abdi's unblemished record, emphasising that no complaints or allegations of bribery or misconduct had been raised against him during his 10 years at the commission.

"If there is a nominee who will help this country, it is someone like him, he speaks less and acts more," Osoro remarked.

Mandera North MP Abdullah Bashir echoed these sentiments, noting Mohamud's rise through the ranks of the EACC from junior positions to Deputy CEO.

"This gives hope to many Kenyans that you can grow from the bottom and be recognised for your merit," he said.

Nominated MP Umulkher Ummi lauded Abdi as a model of dedication, having climbed the career ladder within the EACC.

"This is encouraging for others in public service who aspire to grow in their careers," she said.

Minority Leader Mohamed Junet underscored the thorough vetting process, asserting that Abdi's qualifications and track record made him the most suitable candidate for the job.

"He has spent his career investigating corruption and criminal cases. His experience and institutional knowledge are unmatched," he stated.

Junet also dismissed any concerns about favouritism, stressing that the nomination was based on merit.

"In Kenya, you get a job because you are qualified, not because of the community you belong to," he added.

Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed called on Parliament and other stakeholders to support the EACC by providing adequate resources to enable it to fulfil its mandate.

He urged Abdi to restore public trust in institutions.

"Kenyans have lost faith in nearly all public institutions. It is his job to rebuild that trust," said Dekow.

Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni emphasised the critical role of the EACC in combating corruption and restoring hope for a better Kenya.

"This commission is the lifeline for our fight against corruption. Mohamud has the institutional memory and commitment needed to steer it in the right direction," she said.

EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak's non-renewable six-year term is coming to an end after serving as the commission's second chief executive officer from January 2019.

Twalib, who is a former military intelligence officer, took over from Halakhe Waqo.

Abdi, a former police officer with extensive training in security risk management, has served in various capacities within the commission, including as director of investigations.

His journey in law enforcement began in 1989 when he joined the Kenya Police Service as a cadet inspector.

In 2005, he transitioned to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), which later became the EACC, initially taking on the role of senior officer in charge of the Rapid Response Division and progressively advancing to lead the Directorate of Investigation.