Kenyans without certain credentials may not have a chance to hold the top job at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) if a new bill passes.
Outlined in the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Leader and Ugunja Member of Parliament, Opiyo Wandayi, has suggested that only individuals meeting the qualifications to serve as a High Court judge should be eligible for the position.
The MP wants to remove the current requirement which does not require an applicant to have any specific career path.
Ugunja Member of Parliament, Opiyo Wandayi, and Jubilee Party Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, sit on top of a car during Azimio La Umoja protests on March 30, 2023.
Photo
Opiyo Wandayi
“The bill prescribes the qualifications for appointment of a Chairperson of the Commission. The clause provides that the Chairperson of the Commission shall be a person who is qualified to hold the office of the judge of the High Court under the Constitution,” reads part of the bill.
According to Wandayi, the bill aims to incorporate recommendations and public feedback gathered during the national dialogue discourse on various topics, including Electoral and Justice-related Matters.
However, he noted that if implemented, the current holder of the position shall not be affected.
Currently, Bishop David Oginde holds is the EACC chairperson. He was nominated by President William Ruto in March 2023 and took office in May 2023.
Unlike the new requirements, Oginde holds a Ph.D. in organisational leadership from Regent University School of Business and Leadership, USA. He also has a Degree in Architecture from the University of Nairobi.
In the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2011 which Wandayi wants to amend, those seeking to get the top job should meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the constitution, have a degree from a recognised university and have knowledge and experience of not less than 15 years in law, leadership, audit, social studies, accounting among others.
Any person appointed as a chairperson shall serve for six years but is not eligible for re-appointment.
Some of the functions of the EACC include investigating and recommending appropriate action for corruption and unethical conduct.
The commission is also mandated to promote ethics and oversee the development and enforcement of Codes of Conduct for State and Public Officers.
The office of the chairperson becomes vacant when the holder dies, resigns from the officer by notice to the president, is convicted of a felony and sentenced to imprisonment, is absent for three consecutive meetings of the commission without good cause or is removed from offices per the Constitution.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde gives a speech during the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) report on corruption in the healthcare sector in Nairobi on May 17, 2023.
Kenyans.co.ke
