The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC), Kenya’s corruption watchdog, on Wednesday returned back corruptly acquired assets worth Kshs 5.5 billion to the government,
The assets consisted of cash assets amounting to Kshs 511.4 million recovered from persons who have illegally acquired public properties. EACC also recovered and handed over Kshs 361.4 million to the National Treasury, Kshs 70 million to the KEMRI, and Kshs 79.3 million to the Kenyan Ports Authority.
In addition to the cash assets, EACC handed over 35 titles for properties measuring 18.71 acres and valued at Kshs 5 billion. The recovered properties included 1.88 acres in Kisumu belonging to the Judiciary and five properties in Eldoret.
Other areas where properties were recovered included Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisii, Kabarnet, Nakuru, and Kitale. The County Government of Nakuru received back a proper measuring 0.41 acres with a total value of Kshs 100 million.
The handing over of the illegally acquired assets occurred at State House and attended by President William Ruto, CS Jonh Mbadi, and EACC’s officials. Speaking at the event, EACC Chairperson David Oginde applauded the function and considered it to serve two purposes.
“Today’s event serves a dual purpose; on the one hand, it is a symbolic demonstration of the tireless efforts of our team as a Commission to make corruption unprofitable by removing the benefits and proceeds of corruption, and on the other hand, it illustrates the audacity of corrupt individuals in their attempts to convert public property to personal use,” he said.
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President’s Remarks
President Ruto reiterated the Government’s commitment to curb corruption.
“The government remains resolute in reducing opportunities for corruption and abuse of office and in ensuring that the corrupt do not enjoy the proceeds of their illicit actions,” he said.
This development comes as many Kenyans are demanding greater accountability amid the rising burden of the country’s debt. Kenya’s total debt stood at Kshs 11.2 trillion at the end of January 2024.
Clumping down corruption is vital in ensuring sustainable economic growth in the country.
In addition, President Ruto disclosed the Government’s commitment to bolstering the institution’s anticorruption framework through a series of amendments to the Consitution.
“I have made it clear that I will veto any Bill that does not establish a high standard of accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption measures,’ he said.
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