EACC hands back to Government recovered assets worth Kes5.5 billion in a ceremony at State House
11:09:2024: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has handed over corruptly acquired assets to the State, including 35 title deeds measuring 18.71 acres with a total value of Kes5 billion and cash assets totaling Kes511.4 million.
In a ceremony held today at State House and presided over by His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, EACC’s CEO, Mr Twalib Mbarak, handed over through the President to the Cabinet Secretary of the National Treasury in trust, titles to the various properties.
They included one in Kisumu measuring 1.88 acres and valued at Kes1.4 billion belonging to the Judiciary, five properties in Eldoret: three measuring 3.25 acres and valued at Kes1.2 billion belonging to the National Police Service, one measuring 0.96 acres and valued at Kes700 million belonging to the State Law Office, and another measuring 1 acre also valued at Kes700 million belonging to Uasin Gishu Referral Hospital.
Others included 13 titles to properties based in Western Kenya, all measuring 8.06 acres and estimated to value at Kes300 million. They included four properties in Bungoma Municipality, two in Kakamega Municipality, three in Kisii Municipality, one in Kabarnet Municipality, one in Nakuru Municipality, and two in Kitale Municipality.
He also handed over another 15 titles to land measuring 3.42 acres and valued at Kes135 million belonging to the County Government of Kisii and another property in Nakuru Municipality belonging to the County Government of Nakuru measuring 0.41 acres and valued at Kes100 million.
Besides the immovable properties, the Commission also handed over cash assets totaling Kes511,365,927.80 recovered from individuals who had irregularly acquired public properties. The Commission recovered and remitted Kes361,395,356.55 to the National Treasury, Consolidated Fund Account, Kes79,292,871.25 for the Kenya Ports Authority recovered from a law firm, and Kes70,677,700 for the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Retirement Benefits Scheme recovered from an individual after a civil process.
Speaking at the event that was also attended by the CS National Treasury, John Mbadi; Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor; Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei; Governors; EACC Commissioners and Directors, and other State Officers, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde hailed the function as serving a dual purpose.
“Today’s event serves a dual purpose; on the one hand, it is a symbolic demonstration of the tireless efforts of our team as a Commission to make corruption unprofitable by removing the benefits and proceeds of corruption, and on the other hand, it illustrates the audacity of corrupt individuals in their attempts to convert public property to personal use,” he said.
Dr Oginde asked the Head of State for his support in overcoming the obstacles that hinder or slow down the Commission’s efforts, including a weak legal framework that must be streamlined for efficiency and effectiveness, and budgetary challenges.
His Excellency the President reiterated the Government’s commitment to fighting corruption. “The government remains resolute in reducing opportunities for corruption and abuse of office and in ensuring that the corrupt do not enjoy the proceeds of their illicit actions,” he said and called on all to strengthen the commitment to the rule of law, enhance access to justice, promote national values and principles of governance, and protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
The President stressed the Government’s commitment to further strengthening the institutional framework for anti-corruption. He revealed that the Government is working on a series of amendments to be presented to Parliament to promote accountable leadership and integrity in governance, including the Evidence Act, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Witness Protection Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act. The amendments, he said, will expedite investigations and prosecution of corruption and economic crimes, enhance witness protection, and overhaul the institutional and operational framework of public procurement that has been identified as a key area for corruption.
He also revealed that he is pushing for a swift passage of the Conflict of Interest Bill in Parliament and is keen on high accountability standards.
“I have made it clear that I will veto any Bill that does not establish a high standard of accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption measures. I will fully exercise my powers under Article 115 of the Constitution to ensure the Bill (Conflict of Interest Bill) meets the rigorous standards in the original draft,” he said.
The Head of State acknowledged the notable milestones achieved by the EACC in the fight against corruption, particularly through the recovery of corruptly acquired assets and unexplained wealth. He commended the Commission for recovering assets valued at approximately KES 28 billion over the last five years, including cash and movable and immovable property.
