The commission’s vice-chairperson Irene Keino said they’ve deployed staff to monitor political campaigns where sting operations will be conducted to net the suspects/MIKE KARIUKI
The commission’s vice-chairperson Irene Keino said they’ve deployed staff to monitor political campaigns where sting operations will be conducted to net the suspects.
“This is the political campaign and corruption peak period. Sting operations will be carried out and the matters will be treated like any other corruption offences and forwarded to the courts,” said Keino.
“Members of the public are reminded that the givers of the bribes are as guilty as the receivers.” she added.
The commission has also created a hotline for a rapid response team for members of the public to report bribery taking place on the spot.
She said such cases can be reported on 0727-285 663 or 0733-520 641.
The commission has also been accredited as observers in the March 4 elections, which allow them to have staff in various parts of the country to monitor corruption offences which may hinder a free and fair electioneering process.
The Election Act says voters who accept inducements to vote for a particular candidate during the March 4 General Election could face six years in jail, a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or both.
According to the Elections Act Section 62 as read with Section 106, a bribe is defined as accepting food, drink, refreshments, money, and tickets or providing a means of procuring them “knowing it was intended to influence him to vote or refrain from voting for XY candidate/political party”.
Keino also disclosed that the commission will start vetting its internal staff from February 15 and urged the public to submit information to enhance the exercise.
There have been concerns that EACC staff are vetting leaders whereas they have not been vetted.
“As required by law, a vetting tool has been finalised. Through an advertisement in the national newspapers, members of public will be invited to give information to assist in the vetting as a way of meeting the constitutional requirement.”
About The Author
