Economy

Uhuru suspends Matemu and Keino

A four-member tribunal headed by a judge is expected to investigate a string of allegations against Mr Mumo Matemu and Ms Irene Keino after President Kenyatta suspended them on Thursday.

The two top anti-graft commissioners face accusations of gross violation of laws and unethical conduct during their time in office.

The Constitution specifies that such a tribunal must be headed by a serving judge or a person who has held a similar position before.

In a statement issued on Thursday, State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said the two officials are suspended from undertaking all functions and duties with immediate effect pending the outcome of the tribunal, “which will be set up in accordance with the law.”

The suspension of the two top Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officials came just a day after Parliament adopted a report by its Justice and Legal Affairs Committee that recommended their dismissal.

Once established, the tribunal will probe all the allegations made against the two and hand its report to the President who has to implement the recommendations within 30 days.

The Constitution states that a person suspended under such circumstances is entitled to one half of the remuneration and benefits of the office until their fate is determined.

In the meantime, the EACC Secretariat, headed by chief executive Halakhe Waqo, will continue with investigations into the high-profile cases involving 175 high-ranking government officials, among them five cabinet secretaries.

“This process in no way hinders the work of the organisation which remains constitutionally established and operational.” Mr Esipisu said.

READ: Waqo spared as MPs show Matemu, Keino the door

Parliament based its recommendation to have the two top EACC commissioners sacked on a petition lodged by lawyer Geoffrey Oriaro.

Mr Oriaro cited violation of the Constitution, violation of the EACC Act, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the Penal Code, gross misconduct in the performance of their functions and incompetence.

The allegations are based on a letter dated September 9, 2014 addressed to the President and allegedly written by Ms Keino and Prof Jane Onsongo calling for Mr Matemu’s sacking. The two commissioners later retracted the letter with the later opting to resign from EACC.

Before their suspension, Mr Matemu, who was the chairman and Ms Keino had on Monday said the EACC would in the next two weeks charge officials who awarded tenders for the NSSF Tassia II infrastructure development and the Kenya Airports Authority expansion project.

Mr Matemu also announced that the commission had finalised investigations into four Judiciary cases and nine new Anglo-Leasing files on National Early Warning and Safety System.