The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has faced criticism from lawmakers who accuse the agency of using unsubstantiated claims to damage people's reputations.
According to the original account, during a meeting with the Transport and Energy committees, Members of Parliament expressed concerns that the EACC relies on rumors and unverified allegations, thereby tarnishing individuals' names without thorough investigation.
The issue arose when the EACC initially sent a letter to Parliament on Monday regarding pending allegations against three Cabinet nominees: Dan Kazungu for Mining CS, Victor Kyalo for ICT PS, and Nancy Karingithu for Maritime PS. These nominees were named by President Uhuru Kenyatta on November 24.
However, in a subsequent letter on Thursday, the EACC cleared the nominees, stating that the allegations had been addressed.
Maina Kamanda, chairman of the Transport Committee, questioned the EACC's procedures, suggesting that making public unsubstantiated allegations could be considered inappropriate.
North Horr MP Chachu Ganya and Kinangop MP Stephen Kinyanjui also voiced their concerns, with Kinyanjui asking why the EACC could not conduct thorough investigations to substantiate claims before making them public.
The Energy Committee noted that the EACC's approach puts many careers at risk based solely on allegations.
In response, EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo stated that the commission operates in accordance with the law and receives new information constantly, which can lead to changes in the status of allegations throughout the day.
