KACC given free hand to fight graft

President Kibaki has given the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission the free-hand to investigate all cases of corruption without fear of political interference, the Nation can reveal.

Sources said Kacc Director PLO Lumumba sought audience with the President and Prime Minister Raila Odinga last week to explain the steps the commission was taking in the fight against corruption and the challenges they were facing in unearthing some of the scandals.

Prof Lumumba has assured Kenyans that he will use his reign at Integrity House to tackle mega corruption scandals, such as Anglo Leasing and Goldenberg that have linked to senior politicians.

On Sunday, Kacc spokesman Nicholas Simani confirmed the meeting but declined to divulge any details. “It is true Prof Lumumba met the Head of State. But I cannot tell you where,” he said.

Sources said the Kacc boss, who took over office mid this year, was keen to ensure that he does not face the same obstacles that made it difficult for his predecessors to succeed in the war against corruption.

It was understood President Kibaki and Mr Odinga were clear that they would not interfere with the commission’s work to root out corruption. They also assured the Kacc chief they would not defend any ministers in the coalition government linked to corruption.

The meeting came a day before Sirisia MP Moses Wetang’ula stepped aside from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following questions of how the docket handled the purchase, sale and construction of embassies in Nigeria, Belgium, Cairo, Japan and Pakistan.

However, on Sunday, Mr Odinga was under attack for publicly defending Water minister Charity Ngilu over corruption allegations in her ministry.

Cabinet minister Beth Mugo, two assistant ministers and five MPs said it was regrettable for the PM to defend ministers on such allegations. “Such statements from a very high government office are highly regrettable,” Ms Mugo said.

Mr Odinga defended Mrs Ngilu against corruption allegations in her ministry during a public rally at Kitui Municipal Stadium on Saturday.

However, Mr Odinga defended himself stating that he would not shield anyone facing corruption charges. He explained that his statement at the weekend meant he would support Cabinet ministers delivering services to the people.

“I am supporting ministers who are performing their duties efficiently and that I will do. I have never said I will shield them from corruption charges,” the PM said. “We do not want to victimise anyone or personalise the war on corruption,” he added.

Assistant minister Lewis Nguyai said Mr Odinga should not defend Ngilu but wait until investigations are carried out to establish the truth.

ACK Archbishop Eliud Wabukala said suspects should come out and repent. “You should not wait for Kacc to come for you. Kenyans should borrow a leaf from Zachariah the tax collector who came out to say his involvement in corruption,” he said.

Reports by Bernard Namunane, Lucas Barasa, George Munene, Eric Wainaina, Elisha Otieno, John Njagi and Galgalo Bocha