This report by Rebecca Mutiso first appeared in today’s issue of the Kenya Times. It has been edited and supplemented by HRH / Martin Oluoch, who was also present at the press conference.
The organisations claim that the investigations being conducted by the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) at the behest of justice and Constitutional Minister were an attempt by the government to continue muzzling the civil society.
Investigations malicious
The statement read by Millie Odhiambo, the Executive Director of CRADLE – a child’s right organisation further said “ the attacks are not only directed at the KNCHR. In fact they are systematic, structured and consistently directed at the wider civil society movement including the media. The investigations, they say are illegitimate since the Justice ministry lacks the legal capacity to order investigations into the financial affairs of the state owned human rights body. Under the KNCHR Act, only the Auditor – General has the powers to raise audit queries arising from the finances and expenditures of the commission, explained Odhiambo.
Lavish life style report
The civil society organisations are now claiming that the investigations at KNCHR and the sacking of the former Executive Director of Transparency International are linked to a report released by the two organisations early this year on the lavish life style of Government minister. The report dubbed “Living Large” released in May this year, outlined how the NARC government spent over Eleven million US dollars (US $ 11,000,000) between January 2003 and September 2004 to purchase personal and official vehicles for senior government officials.
Perform your mandates
The civil societies further accused the government of using the KACC and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to intimidate its critics. They challenged the KACC and the ministry of Justice to borrow a leaf from Mr. Kiai and publish their own financial statements. Millie Odhiambo challenged the Ministry of Justice and KACC to explain to Kenyans why they should continue existing whereas they have failed to deliver on their respective mandates, namely to provide a new constitution and to prosecute people linked to grand corruption.
We are not Condoning Corruption
Ms Odhiambo, however denied that the civil society was condoning corruption by defending Mr. Kiai. “while we do not condone corruption of any nature, we find the manner in which the minister and the permanent secretary are conducting themselves most objectional in zealously and selectively pursuing suspect charges against crusaders of good governance” she added.
