Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission probes Judiciary
Mr Mumo Matemu shortly after he took his oath at the Supreme Court to chair the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on August 5, 2013. The anti-graft watchdog has started investigating allegations of corruption in the Judiciary. Photo/FILE
What you need to know:
- Move comes in the wake of alleged corruption within the institution
- Team of detectives sent to courts following request by CJ Mutunga
The anti-graft watchdog has started investigating allegations of corruption in the Judiciary.
A team of detectives has been sent to the institution, according to Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) chairman Mumo Matemu.
He said the move follows a request by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.
“The team is there in line with our mandate and it is going to help the Judiciary on issues of enforcement and developing anti-corruption systems,” said the EACC boss on Sunday.
On Friday, Dr Mutunga said he had written to the EACC requesting investigations into the conduct of Judiciary staff.
Dr Mutunga said in order to protect public funds, it is vital to develop a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy.
The strategy would come up with measures to stop graft in the Judiciary.
“We would like to begin with individuals in particular, a review of wealth declarations and lifestyle audits,” said Dr Mutunga.
He said that he would soon provide the commission with a list of employee groups and individuals it should begin investigating.
According to the CJ, the Judiciary budget has increased significantly as a result of many projects it is undertaking, which may have opened avenues for corruption, especially in the administrative division.
“Key tactical areas to pursue include the individual wealth declaration and lifestyle audit, financial audit, institutional forensic audit, management system audits and reviews,” he said.
The decision to invite the commission comes in the wake of a fallout between the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Registrar Gladys Shollei over allegations of misappropriation of funds.
Mrs Shollei has, however, denied any role in the loss of Sh1.2 billion in the Judiciary, after the JSC asked her to respond to allegations of impropriety in finance, procurement and human resource, and insubordination.
When he took over as the EACC chairman, Mr Matemu said that he had launched an audit into all pending corruption cases at the institution.
