President Ruto nominates Bishop David Oginde as EACC chairperson

David Oginde served as the presiding bishop of Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) between 2010 and 2020. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto on Saturday, March 11 nominated former CITAM presiding bishop David Oginde as the chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

If approved by the National Assembly, Oginde will replace Eliud Wabukala who retired in January 2023 after six years of service (starting in January 2017).

The Public Service Commission (PSC), which conducted the interviews for EACC chairperson, had recommended to the president the names of David Oginde, former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Amani Yuda Komara.

There were 14 candidates for the position.

"President William Ruto has, on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission, nominated Bishop David Oginde for the appointment as chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)," the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said in a statement.

"The nomination was preceded by a competitive recruitment process. At the conclusion of the exercise, PSC recommended to the Head of State and Government the following persons: Bishop David Oginde, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana or Amani Yuda Komara," added Koskei.

"Bishop Oginde is highly respected at home and abroad for his strong reputation in forthrightness, integrity and his tireless efforts towards the promotion of ethics and virtue in society," said Koskei.

The Head of Public Service said should Parliament approve Oginde's nomination, then Kenya will have a "demonstrable champion of deepening a value-based culture".

David Oginde, who served as the presiding bishop of Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) between 2010 and 2020, holds a PhD degree in in Organisational Leadership from US-based Regent University.

He also served as the Chancellor of the Pan Africa University between 2011 and 2021.

Oginde previously taught at Daystar University.