EACC fights Turkana governor as officials arrested

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has termed as pre-emptive a suit by Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and his executive seeking a public apology over their inclusion in the list of corruption suspects.

This comes as anti-graft agency arrested Turkana road executive Mioko Logirom and road superintendent Lawrence Lolli in Lodwar along with the manager on Nadome Construction. The Turkana officials are accused of paying the construction company for work not done.

This came as a forensic investigator at the commission, Richard Kilimo, Monday told a Nairobi court that the suit was an attempt to undermine the commission and prevent it from discharging its constitutional duties.

“These are matters that are still under investigations and until investigations are complete such conclusions as to the capacity or incapacity to hold office is premature,” he said.

Governor Nanok and his finance executive Paul Nabuin had moved to the High Court accusing EACC of publishing the report and labelling them corrupt.

This, they argued, portrayed them as corrupt and unfit to hold public office. The Turkana county officials are under investigation over allegations of making irregular payments amounting to Sh14 million to a contractor for the construction of a non-existent bridge across River Kerio.

The anti-graft agency has forwarded the Turkana file to the Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko who will decided whether Mr Nanok and Mr Nabuin will face corruption charges.

The two have been seeking orders compelling EACC to publish an apology in at least two daily newspapers with national circulation in connection with the alleged defamation as well as violation of their rights.