Crisis as key graft agency staff quit

Operations at the anti-corruption commission could be headed to a crisis following the departure of key investigators and lawyers.

The departure has hampered the operations of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), with investigation and preparation of cases almost stalling.

According to an employee at the commission who sought anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media, many of those who have left were handling cases.

“Some of the staff members who have left were in charge of cases and their exit almost kills the investigations,” he said.

The commission, which has lost more than 130 employees since September last year, saw the departure of seven lawyers last month alone.

Three lawyers joined the Industrial Court while two went to the High Court and the Ombudsman’s office recently.

Others who have left are the principal heads of operations, human resource, transport, land valuer and office assistants.

“Many staff members have left, there is confusion and lack of robust management that is brought about by the absence of the commissioners.

“The remaining employees are busy applying for new jobs while waiting for their next pay cheque and it is only a few who seem comfortable,” said an employee at the commission.

EACC spokesman Nicholas Simani admitted that a number of employees had left for greener pastures, which he said was normal in any organisation.

“We have allowed our employees to move on when they feel that they have got better prospects. Some have gone to higher offices including the High Court and other government bodies while some have gone into private firms,” said Mr Simani.

Not affected operations

He, however, said the staff departure had not significantly affected operations.

“Though the operations have slowed, we continue to discharge our mandate and quite a number of our staff particularly those in the legal services have to deal with extra workload,” said Mr Simani.

He admitted that some of the cases the commission was trying to expedite would be delayed because the new commissioners were yet to take office.

“Acting CEO Jane Muthaura has ably run the commission and the work of the commissioners will be much on policy,” he said. Two activists have challenged the appointment of Ms Muthaura and 63 other officers.

In the case that begun on Monday, Mr John Abok Garang and Mr Caleb Okech are seeking an order to restrain Ms Muthaura and other employees from continuing to discharge their duties until they take oath of office as per the Constitution.

Whereas chairman Mumo Matemu and commissioners Jane Onsando and Irene Keino were appointed through a gazette notice in early May, the commissioners have not taken office due a court case against the chair.

The High Court in Nakuru stopped Mr Matemu from taking oath of office alleging integrity issues over his tenure at Agriculture Finance Commission. (READ: Now High Court blocks Matemu)