Chief Justice Willy Mutunga wants lifestyle audit in Judiciary
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga (centre), Attorney-General Githu Muigai (third left on the front row) and new Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission commissioners after the swearing in ceremony on January 18, 2016. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Dr Mutunga promised to lead the way by declaring his wealth once the new EACC commissioners come up with a framework to undertake the investigation.
The announcement comes amid claims that corruption is making its way back to the Judiciary.
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has invited the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Auditor-General to conduct a lifestyle audit of judicial officers.
Dr Mutunga promised to lead the way by declaring his wealth once the new EACC commissioners come up with a framework to undertake the investigation.
“I have asked the EACC and the Auditor-General to conduct a lifestyle audit in the Judiciary starting with me and Supreme Court judges,” said Dr Mutunga.
The announcement comes amid claims that corruption is making its way back to the Judiciary, with accusations that judges and magistrates are living a lavish lifestyle beyond what their salaries can afford.
CORRUPTION CREEPS BACK
Last week, the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board recommended the sacking of eight magistrates over corruption.
According to board Chairman Sharad Rao, a lifestyle audit of the magistrates revealed that they had questionable sources of income and multiple bank accounts in which large sums of money they could not account for were deposited.
Dr Mutunga made the remarks when he presided over the swearing in of new EACC chairman Philip Kinisu and commissioners Dabar Maalim Abdi, Paul Mwaniki Gachoka, Sophia Lepuchirit and Rose Mtambo Macharia.
“The fight against corruption will only be successful if all agencies work together and avoid blame games. From investigations to prosecution, the justice chain must operate seamlessly, guided by public interest,” said Dr Mutunga.
He said the Judiciary will fast-track hearings of corruption cases.
The CJ further said the Judiciary will also create an anti-corruption and economic crimes division at the High Court, in addition to increasing the number of magistrates from three to 13.
Dr Mutunga asked the new commissioners to take note of the current war of words between the Government and the opposition over the fight against corruption, saying it will be up to them to provide a solution.
“There can only be one truth in the fight against corruption, and the existence of these two conflicting narratives is illustrative of the difficult but important task you are about to embark on,” he said.
Attorney-General Githu Muigai said the new team was evidence that the government is serious on the war against corruption.
