Senators criticize ODPP over withdrawal of county graft cases

Senators have raised concerns over the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for withdrawing corruption cases involving county governments without consulting the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The matter came up on Wednesday when the EACC officials appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee to provide updates on corruption investigations originating from counties.

The anti-graft agency told lawmakers that since 2013, the ODPP has withdrawn 18 county-related graft cases, including three from Isiolo and others from Makueni, Tharaka, Turkana, Nakuru, and Nyeri counties, which have one dropped case each.

Senator Erick Okong’o termed the withdrawals problematic, warning that they undermine the fight against corruption.

“If we sweep these things under the carpet, we will not be assisting the country. When you tell us you are not consulted, there seems to be a disconnect between EACC and the DPP,” Okong'o said.

He added that Parliament could consider constitutional changes to strengthen EACC’s role if necessary.

“We can amend the constitution if we have to. We cannot be treating the war against corruption this casually,” he said.

Most recently, the DPP Renson Ingonga's office has sought to withdraw corruption charges against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado.

Obado, four of his children, and several co-accused were implicated in the Ksh.505 million corruption case.

The ODPP is withdrawing the civil asset recovery cases initiated by EACC against Obado and co-accused, following an out-of-court settlement.

EACC had initially sought to recover more than Ksh.1.9 billion allegedly misappropriated by Obado and more than 20 others from the Migori County government through fictitious procurement contracts.

Obado and the EACC reached a settlement to surrender properties worth Ksh.428 million.