AG, DCI refute claims they are being used to settle political scores

DCI George Kinoti. [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Members of a Multi-Agency Team that has been spearheading the fight against graft have, for the first time, addressed claims that they are being used to settle political scores.

Attorney-General Kihara Kariuki, who heads the team, and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji told members of a Senate-House committee yesterday that they have no interest in victimising anybody.

“We are not in the game of politics and we are not out to victimise  anyone. We are only doing our professional job,” said Mr Kariuki.

Mr Haji reiterated the same sentiments saying: “We are not targeting anyone at all. All we are doing is safeguarding the interest of our country. My office is independent and this can be seen from our decisions.”

Kariuki, Haji, the Director of  Criminal Investigation (DCI) George  Kinoti and Twalib Mubarak, the CEO of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) all appeared before the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee.

Mr. Kinoti who has been on the receiving end of criticism by some Rift Valley MPs, only introduced himself but did not speak throughout the committee hearing.

The Asset  Recovery Agency (AAR), that is headed by Muthoni Kimani, is also part of the Multi-Agency Team.

In the recent past,  Kinoti and Haji have come under sharp criticism from politicians led by Deputy President William Ruto and his allies.

Over the weekend, during his tour of the coast, Dr. Ruto repeated his claims that the DCI and the DPP are perpetuating a political witch-hunt in their renewed purge against graft.

 “No matter how many times you repeat a lie, it will never amount to truth. So, as we prosecute the war against corruption, let it not be predetermined for political reasons targeting certain people and projects,” Ruto said.

Last week, MPs from Elgeyo Marakwet Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), William Kisang (Marakwet West) Daniel Rono (Keiyo South) and Jane Chebaibai (Women Rep) questioned why investigators have only set their sights on the Arror and Kimwarer dams only.

Yesterday Mr. Haji said investigations on other mega-dam projects in other parts of the country have been launched.

Unclear contracts

Mr. Mbarak said the manner in which contracts for the major project are signed is the leading cause of loss of public resources.

“The management of contracts and tenders is a big problem. If we don’t look at how contracts are signed, then we will keep chasing shadows since rogue traders would have already been paid,” Mbarak said.

Ms. Kimani said her agency, the offices of the  DCI and DPP need more resources to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.