EACC warns MPs against hiring kin

EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak. [Esther Jeruto, Standard]

The anti-corruption agency has warned lawmakers who use their constituency offices as personal property to hire relatives and friends.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission wants the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to audit the ownership status and employees of constituency offices.

The EACC received reports that some MPs have employed their relatives and irregularly collect rent reimbursements.

In a letter to PSC secretary Jeremiah Nyegenye on October 11, the EACC said PSC was at fault for failing to perform due diligence to establish the ownership status of county or constituency offices occupied by MPs.

EACC added that it had established that "PSC relies on documents such as lease agreements deposited by MPs or constituency/Senate office managers for rent reimbursement without establishing the ownership of such office premises."

The anti-graft agency's deputy chief executive officer Abdi Mohamud said some county offices were on premises owned by MPs and or their family members or business associates which is illegal. Other issues raised touched on the employment of kin. "Members of Parliament employ their family members including their spouse(s), children and or business associates to fill vacant positions in the constituency/county offices," the letter said.

EACC said employing kin and using their family property for offices was a conflict of interest and abuse of office.

"The commission advises that you undertake due diligence on the ownership of all constituency/county offices for the MPs."