The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) has announced partnerships with UN bodies in its fight against corruption.

Among the bodies roped in are the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said that the two bodies had been partnering with the government in the fight against corruption, and would still partner with them in their strategic plan for 2023-2028.

"States parties to this convention are expected to cooperate in every aspect of the fight against corruption, including prevention, investigation, asset recovery and the prosecution of offenders. States are also required to act in the private and public sectors and to promote the work of civil society in this area," Mudavadi said during the report launch on Tuesday.

"Kenya will continue to domesticate all provisions of the convention to ensure that we have a robust policy, legal and institutional framework that will systematically tackle corruption." 

Mudavadi also called on EACC to collaborate with other anti-graft agencies locally such as the Office of the Auditor General, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Parliament, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Assets Recovery Agency and the Financial Reporting Centre among others.

Mudavadi's pledge to EACC

Mudavadi, who pledged that the government would provide EACC with resources, asked Kenyans to elect leaders of integrity into office to help combat corruption.

"Citizens must also understand that one of the most effective ways to contribute to the combat against corruption is by electing leaders of unwavering integrity to public office and ensuring that state officers are not only qualified but also maintain their suitability throughout their tenure. Consequently, the government will provide ample resources to empower EACC to effectively implement the civic preventive strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan," Mudavadi added.

Mudavadi also urged EACC to prosecute all corruption cases and individuals without regard to their status or position in society.

"No individual, regardless of their position or influence, should be considered a “sacred cow” immune to accountability. The EACC must investigate and prosecute cases of corruption without prejudice, upholding the law equally for all citizens," he added. By Francis Muli , People Daily