RMS Editorial Director Linus Kaikai advocates for reforms to grant EACC prosecution powers

Kaikai, a seasoned journalist, argued that the agency’s effectiveness in the fight against graft remains limited due to the legal inability to directly prosecute cases.

Speaking during an anti-corruption forum in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kaikai said the existing legal framework weakens the commission’s ability to see cases through to conclusion, as it has to rely on other institutions to prosecute graft suspects.

“As long as the commission lacks prosecutorial powers, it will continue to struggle to fully execute its mandate,” he said.

In Kaikai's perspective, adding that meaningful progress in tackling corruption would require legislative changes to strengthen the agency’s role. This is also due to the prominent corruption cases the commission handles, which have far-reaching impacts on the economy and public trust.

"No media house will grant you the prosecutorial powers unless the law is changed to have the powers. We are past the awareness stage. We now need action," Kaikai noted. 

He further expressed concern over what he termed as the “shoddy handling” of corruption cases, noting that at least 18 cases have collapsed between 2022 and 2024. Such failures, he noted, undermine public confidence and embolden corrupt individuals.

"You were created for [the] big fish where corruption is consequential," he said

The senior journalist also called for the depoliticisation of the fight against corruption, warning that political interference continues to derail efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

He maintained that a credible and independent anti-corruption framework backed by strong legal powers would be key in restoring integrity and ensuring justice in the country’s anti-graft efforts.