Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission uncovers 42 corruption cases in Kwale within a week

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) says it has uncovered 42 high-level corruption cases in Kwale County in a week, after establishing an office there.

EACC established an office in Kwale on September 21 during the anti-corruption week, whose activities led to the signing of an action plan. The action plan requires the Kwale county executive and county assembly to remain committed to combating and preventing corruption in all areas.

Addressing the public at Ukunda showground on Monday, Deputy Secretary EACC Michael Mubea noted that four of the reports are about embezzlement of public funds, five on unethical conduct, three on tender irregularities and three on conflict of interest.

"We also have 13 other reports on bribery, 11 cases of maladministration, three reports on civil issues, one on fraud and a penal code offence," Mubea added. He also said he was confident that the county governments will seize the opportunity to stir the anti-corruption agenda.

Reacting to allegations that county governments are spend-thrifts and do not engage in development activities, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya said EACC should treat everyone fairly by also targeting the national government.

"EACC should try and expand its horizons by looking into the national government's institutions that are riddled with corruption issues instead of only focusing on counties. It is the national government that brings resources to counties not the other way round," said Mvurya.

He insisted that the fight against corruption should be dealt through the known legal framework and those concerned should not politicise the whole issue.