EACC probes corruption in three Judiciary stations

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating three Judicial service stations following complaints from Kenyans.

Speaking during the commission’s launch of the National Integrity Academy’s strategic plan on Wednesday, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde said the probe will eventually cover the entire Judiciary, with findings to be submitted to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“We are already in these three stations but we are looking more broadly at the Judiciary as a whole. Should we find anything, we will take the necessary steps that need to be taken to bring these people to justice so that we combat corruption within the Judiciary because it is a key pillar of integrity and upholding justice in this country and we cannot afford to have people within that whole system who are subverting a step in our judicial system,” said Oginde.

The EACC Chair also mentioned a petition accusing seven Supreme Court judges of misconduct and corruption.

He at the same time highlighted the need to curb rising misconduct between the youth and a section of political leaders amid the calls for social media censorship.

Dr. Oginde cited the growing criticism which has led to verbal attacks between the youth and government leaders, underscoring the role of the academy in sensitizing respectable behaviour and enforcing integrity.

“In recent times, we’ve witnessed an alarming decline in ethical conduct and moral behaviour. We have seen children insult leaders with brazen disrespect. Similarly, some senior leaders in our society have acted in ways that are utterly unbecoming. With public utterances that shock even the most tolerant among us,” he said.

“This has left many yearning for the days when children and young people had the greatest respect for the old. A time when leadership was synonymous with dignity and decorum.”

Dr. Oginde added: “Today, we gather to launch a strategic plan designed to bring this vision to life - a vision of building a society anchored on values and driven by integrity.”

EACC CEO Abdi Mohamed, who was also at the event, echoed the Chairperson’s remarks, reaffirming of the commission’s commitment to capacity building and promotion of good governance.

“This plan will guide us in building capacity, promoting a culture of transparency, and strengthening institutions to uphold the highest standards of accountability,” he said.