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Four managers to replace Lumumba team
Jennifer Muiruri| NATION
Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission Advisory Board chairman Okong’o Omogeni (left) with board members Billow Kerrow (centre) and Francis Wagara at a press conference on August 29, 2011 . Mr Omogeni promised that investigations, court cases and other activities of the Commission would continue as usual.
Four managers will be appointed on Thursday to lead the war against corruption for three months.
This came as the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) Advisory Board chairman Okong’o Omogeni warned anyone interfering with investigations would be prosecuted.
Prof Patrick Lumumba and his four deputies were sent packing on Monday after the President assented to a new law creating Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to replace KACC.
The board is managing the transition to the new agency over the next 90 days.
Mr Omogeni said investigations would continue during the transition.
“The new law passed in Parliament last week preserved all ongoing investigations. All cases are safe and secure under the care of principal officers who will continue to work with other officials,” he said.
He said the board would appoint acting managers to take over from the deputy directors who are leaving.
Earlier, Prof Lumumba had said they were investigating 80 politicians and top government officials over corruption.
Those targeted included Cabinet ministers, past and present permanent secretaries, parastatal chiefs and MPs.
The offences range from abuse of office to embezzlement of public funds, fraud, conflict of interest and theft.
Mr Omogeni said they had handed over files on irregular tender awards at the Water ministry to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“We have handed over our clear and specific recommendations to Mr Keriako Tobiko. It is his duty to decide what action to take,” he said.
President Kibaki is expected to constitute a panel to appoint a chairman and members of the new agency within 14 days.
The panel will comprise nominees from the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Judicial Service Commission and Media Council of Kenya, among others.
The Public Service Commission will convene the first meeting of the selection panel, at which members will elect a chairman.
Within seven days, says the new Act signed by President Kibaki on Sunday, the selection panel will invite applications for commissioners of the new graft and ethics body.
