Mutula backs new KACC chief

Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo and the Kenya Anti-Corruption’s Advisory Board on Friday welcomed the appointment of renowned lawyer Patrick Lumumba as the country’s next anti-graft czar.

Mr Kilonzo said the appointment was done in accordance with the law and congratulated those who had been appointed together with Dr Lumumba, promising them his support.

“I will work with them as I know they have a heavy responsibility to turn the country’s image. I expect them to put into operation the national policy on anti-corruption,” Mr Kilonzo said.

Through chairman Okong’o O’Mogeni, the board welcomed Dr Lumumba’s appointment as the KACC director.

Prof Jane Onsongo and lawyer Pravin Bowry were appointed as the institution’s assistant directors.

They were recruited by the Advisory Board and approved by Parliament in June after having been cleared by parliamentary Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs chaired by Mr Abdikadir Mohammed.

“These are all respected professionals and we have no doubt that they will intensify the war against corruption,” said Mr O’Mogeni.

The board is set to meet the trio on Monday to share with them the institution’s vision.

The appointment comes only a day after Transparency International’s graft ratings showed that Kenya had improved from being the most corrupt country in the region and globally by one position.

President Kibaki appointed the trio through a Kenya gazette notice, on Friday. Each will serve for five years. The appointment takes effect from July 1, this year.

Dr Lumumba takes over as the chief executive after the acrimonious resignation of former director, Justice Aaron Ringera, in September last year.

A deputy director, Dr John Mutonyi, has been the acting director since Mr Ringera’s resignation due to public pressure despite the President having re-appointment him for another term.

Parliament voted to declare the re-appointment null and void. Alongside Mr Ringera’s reappointment was that of the two other assistant directors Fatuma Sichale and Smokin Wanjala, who also resigned.