This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
On October 3, 2019, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) announced the launch of investigations into several public officers, including Members of Parliament (MPs), over allegations of dual citizenship.
The move comes two days after a Kenyan Diaspora lobby group wrote to the EACC, requesting an investigation into 11 MPs, including Aden Duale of Garissa, over their alleged dual citizenship.
According to a press release by the EACC, the commission has launched investigations to verify the allegations and will take action against any legislators found guilty in accordance with the law.
Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution prohibits public officers from holding dual nationality if it was acquired through naturalization.
Activist Okiya Omtatah had earlier written to the EACC, ordering an audit of all MPs and identifying 11 members, including Aden Duale, as persons of interest.
Omtatah alleged that two senators were American citizens, while eight members of the National Assembly and a former MP, who currently holds a top position in a parastatal, also have dual citizenship.
“The Constitution expressly prohibits Members of Parliament from possessing dual nationality if it was acquired through naturalisation,” Omtata stated in the letter addressed to the EACC chairperson Eliud Wabukhala.
