Nairobi, Jan 3 – The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission has put present Cabinet Secretaries on its radar, particularly those whose lifestyles seem to have changed drastically after being appointed.
President William Ruto, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok during the launch of 5,000 digitized government services at KICC on June 30, 2023 Local Ruto’s brainchild raked in Ksh903.6 million in a single day
This development comes as part of the EACC’s commitment to holding highly exposed political figures accountable for any signs of illicit activities especially on how some of their wealth are accumulated.
According to the EACC, individuals holding key positions such as Cabinet Secretaries (CS), Principal Secretaries (PS), or heading prominent organizations fall under the category of highly exposed political persons.
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The commission raised concerns about drastic lifestyle transformations, highlighting instances where officials upgraded from modest possessions to extravagant items.
The EACC issued a stern warning to Cabinet Secretaries, emphasizing that their actions would not go unnoticed.
“If today you are a minister and you believe you can operate with impunity, do it but one day EACC will catch up with you. This country is governed by law, and if there is anything you mess up as a CS, PS, or CEO, the EACC will catch up with you,” Mbarak said.
In a recent development, former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala was arrested by the EACC in December. The charges against him include procurement fraud and irregular payment of Ksh8.5 billion.
Balala, along with other individuals, including former Principal Secretary Leah Gwiyo, Joseph Odero, and Flora Ngina, is facing allegations of fraudulently transferring funds from the Ministry of Tourism, for the construction of the Utalii College Coast Branch.
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According to EACC, only Sh2 billion had been allocated for the project, which has stalled.
Mbarak shed light on the agency’s most intriguing cases, citing the dramatic nature of the case involving former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Despite all this, what remains a lope to the rest of us is, will the government let this individuals on the lose or we should hope for changes in how government officials are managed in such a case and scenario.
