Whistleblowers to get rewards if Uhuru accepts AG’s proposal

People reporting or testifying in corruption cases may benefit from what is recovered from those involved the vice.

That could happen if proposals by the Attorney-General are approved by the President.

According to a draft interim report seen by the Nation, rewarding whistleblowers and witnesses would increase the willingness of people volunteering information or giving evidence in courts.

The report drafted in May says witnesses and whistleblowers should be protected to build up confidence in the citizens.

It proposes that a person who reports corruption should be get at least 10 per cent of the value of any property recovered after investigations and conclusion of the matter through judicial or other dispute-resolution mechanisms.

The system has worked in other countries such as the US.

The task force appointed by the AG says the public is not actively involved in the fight against corruption because Kenyans see no benefit in doing so.

Another recommendation is adoption of a law protecting and rewarding whistleblowing public officers. People who report economic crimes face reprisals from those in power.

Former Ethics and Governance Permanent Secretary John Githongo sought asylum in the UK after releasing information about the Anglo-Leasing scandal.

The Task Force on Review of Legal, Policy and Institutional Framework for fighting corruption was appointed by AG Githu Muigai after President Kenyatta’s directive during the State of the Nation address in March.

Mr Kenyatta received a list of 175 public officials linked to corruption and asked those mentioned to step aside.

However, elected officers, led by Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, said the Executive had no powers to give such an order.

The task force also wants public officials to present themselves before scrutiny teams. It will be an offence to fail to honour summons or produce documents required for investigations.

Foreign bank accounts have been used to hide the looted billions.

Operating a foreign bank account without permission from EACC will be a crime.

In addition, banks will be compelled to help detecting suspicious transactions by scrutinising large deposits.

Easier procedures of removing officials who do not fall under the Executive will also be possible.

“Officers charged with corruption should be suspended at half pay with effect from the date of the charge,” the draft says.

It says abolition of unnecessary administrative fees and simplification of procedures for the provision of services may reduce corruption.