Kenya's anti-corruption boss steps down after accusations of conflict of interest in corruption case
Thu Sep 01, 2016 05:04:pm Africa
2.8K By Buchi Obichie
After being recommended for removal from office by lawmakers over an alleged conflict of interest between his family business and another state-run agency, the Chairman of Kenya's anti-graft body, Philip Kinisu, announced on Wednesday, that he had quit.
According to reports from the Kenyan media, Parliament's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee wanted lawmakers to ask President Uhuru Kenyatta to set up a tribunal to remove Kinisu from office.
The Committee had accused Kinisu of a conflict of interest in his family company's dealings with state-run National Youth Service, which the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) that he leads, was investigating, over lost money.
Kinisu denied any wrongdoing by him or the company.
In a statement announcing his resignation, he said, "At the same time, I am mindful that significant resources and attention are being expended by the state and public on deliberating these matters rather than to the fight against corruption."
Kenya has a history of corruption scandals that have failed to result in high-profile convictions, angering the public who say it demonstrates top officials can act with impunity and encourages graft by ordinary employees.
Faced with a growing public outcry last year, President Kenyatta promised to root corruption out of the Government.
Five Ministers stepped aside in 2015 after they faced investigations and then lost their jobs in a reshuffle.
According to reports from the Kenyan media, Parliament's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee wanted lawmakers to ask President Uhuru Kenyatta to set up a tribunal to remove Kinisu from office.
The Committee had accused Kinisu of a conflict of interest in his family company's dealings with state-run National Youth Service, which the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) that he leads, was investigating, over lost money.
Kinisu denied any wrongdoing by him or the company.
In a statement announcing his resignation, he said, "At the same time, I am mindful that significant resources and attention are being expended by the state and public on deliberating these matters rather than to the fight against corruption."
Kenya has a history of corruption scandals that have failed to result in high-profile convictions, angering the public who say it demonstrates top officials can act with impunity and encourages graft by ordinary employees.
Faced with a growing public outcry last year, President Kenyatta promised to root corruption out of the Government.
Five Ministers stepped aside in 2015 after they faced investigations and then lost their jobs in a reshuffle.
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