This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
On October 3, 2019, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) began investigating claims that several state and public officers, including MPs and Senators, hold dual citizenship.
According to Article 78(2) of the Constitution, a state officer or member of the defence forces shall not hold dual citizenship.
Concerns over elected leaders with dual citizenship emerged after activist Okiyah Omtata wrote to the EACC, asking for a probe into claims that 10 current legislators are holders of dual citizenship.
Omtata listed eight MPs and two Senators alleged to be citizens of other countries.
Warning that any leader found culpable will face action and could lose their seats, the EACC stated that it had launched investigations to verify the allegations and take appropriate action against the public officers in accordance with the law.
“EACC has launched investigations to verify these allegations with a view to taking appropriate action against the public officers in accordance with the law. Such action could include initiating mechanisms for removal for violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution,” said the EACC.
It's worth noting that the law allows judges and members of commissions to hold dual citizenship.
