NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 16 – Some of the major cases being investigated by the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission have delayed because they have not been able to record statements from key individuals.
In an apparent reference to Water Minister Charity Ngilu, Prof Lumumba told journalists some of those supposed to be interviewed “have fallen ill and are admitted to hospitals abroad.”
"We all know that investigations are going on and some of those we are investigating are sick and are out of the country," he said.
"That is why our investigations have delayed but we are moving on."
The KACC boss had told reporters last month that the commission had submitted what he referred to as "high voltage files" to Attorney General Amos Wako and expected them back within two weeks.
On Wednesday, Prof Lumumba told reporters the files had not been returned because the AG was out of the country.
"We all know that all these investigations are going on, but it should be known that the AG has been out of the country. It should be known that he has received some files which he is yet to return to us and we know he will return them to us," he said.
Prof Lumumba termed as unfair, criticism, that the commission was selectively dragging certain cases.
"Our mandate should be understood, we are involved in sensitising the public and this is going on. Carrying out investigations is another mandate we have and that is going on, even the big fish are being investigated but we don\’t have to mention names all the time," he said.
Prof Lumumba told reporters he would only mention names of those under investigation once a recommendation to prosecute them is approved by the Attorney General.
He has previously indicated that among ministries under investigation is that of Water, Foreign Affairs, Special Programs as well as the Education portfolio.
He did not give an update of the investigations on the ministries only saying "we are not going to conduct our investigation under the glare of cameras."
"It will be irresponsible for us to keep on mentioning names of personalities," he said.
The Ministry of Water is under investigation for alleged massive corruption in some of its parastatals while the Foreign Affairs Ministry is under investigation irregular purchases of embassy buildings abroad.
Officials at the Ministry of Education are also being investigated over the misappropriation of millions of shillings meant for the Free Primary Education while the Special Programs Ministry is being scrutinised for failing to account for money meant for resettling internally displaced persons.
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