Members of Parliament have criticised the proposed removal of Bishop David Oginde as Chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). They argue that the timing of the move could disrupt ongoing high-profile corruption investigations.
The proposal, which is part of a new bill in Parliament, suggests that the EACC Chair must have a law degree and at least 10 years of experience as a judge, advocate, or magistrate.
Bishop Oginde, who holds a PhD in Organisational Leadership, does not meet the new qualifications, making him vulnerable to removal.
MPs, including Kitutu Chache South’s Anthony Kibagendi and Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, have raised concerns that the move is politically motivated.
“Removing the current Chairperson in the middle of his term, especially at a time when the Commission is involved in significant corruption investigations, would destabilise the institution and jeopardise ongoing cases,” Kibagendi stated.
Maanzo added that the timing of the bill raises questions about the intentions behind the push to remove Oginde.
Critics of the bill warn that a change in leadership could derail the EACC’s work, especially since the Commission is also in the process of recruiting a new CEO.
“The EACC is one of the most critical institutions in the fight against corruption, and any move that weakens its leadership, especially now, is dangerous,” Maanzo said.
While the bill aims to ensure that the EACC Chair has legal qualifications, many MPs are calling for it to apply only to future appointments, not retroactively.
“There is concern that some political forces may be using this bill to target Oginde due to his firm stance on fighting corruption,” Maanzo added.
The proposed qualifications for the EACC Chair require legal experience, but Oginde’s supporters argue that his leadership in tackling corruption has been invaluable. The bill continues to move forward in Parliament, and if passed, it could lead to Oginde’s removal.
– By Tina Akal
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