Mumo Matemu, Halakhe Waqo declare end to wrangles at Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission

The power struggle between Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson Mumo Matemu and chief executive officer Halakhe Waqo seems to have ended after they pledged to continue working together to fight graft.

On Friday, the two anti-corruption commission bosses agreed to bury the hatchet following days of wrangling that culminated in the suspension of deputy CEO Michael Mubea by one and reinstatement by the other.

Mr Matemu and Mr Waqo addressed a joint news briefing and sought to assure the public that the commission was united in fighting corruption.

On Monday evening, Mr Matemu suspended Mr Mubea for 30 days pending investigations into allegations of malpractice.

Hours later, Mr Waqo revoked the suspension, saying the EACC chairman did not consult him or the human resource office before taking action against Mr Mubea.

'NORMAL PROCESS'

Mr Matemu on Friday said Mr Mubea’s suspension was a “normal process” that was being handled by the commission’s human resource department.

“We wish therefore to assure Kenyans, the government and development partners that contrary to what may have been portrayed in some sections of the media, the commission is firmly focused in the execution of its mandate.

“All matters that the commission is seized of including investigations are proceeding normally without any interruptions,” he said during the media briefing at Integrity Centre in Nairobi, the commission’s headquarters.

Mr Waqo reiterated that they had ironed out their differences, saying due process would be followed to settle any issues arising in the commission.

The two, however declined to field questions from journalists, saying they were “in a hurry” to address their staff.