The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) has accused Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka of engaging in a smear campaign against the institution.

This follows a heated exchange between Onyonka and EACC Deputy CEO Abdi Mohamud in the Senate on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

During the session, Onyonka accused the commission and its officials of taking bribes from suspects in cases under investigation.

“For the last two years, how many corruption cases has EACC won?” Onyonka posed.

“When you make such kinds of allegations without substantiating it really portrays a negative image of a public institution that is supposed to fight corruption,” Mohamud said during the session.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the anti-corruption watchdog termed Onyonka’s allegations as malicious, unethical and irresponsible.

“EACC wants the Senator to substantiate his wild and spurious claims against its officials which he has to date failed to explain, despite his sustained attacks on the Commission. For months now, the Kisii Senator has relentlessly embarked on a smear campaign against the Commission and its officials through unsubstantiated allegations mainly during his live TV and Radio appearances,” the statement read in part.

“This is not only malicious but also unethical and irresponsible. While it is not uncommon for individuals investigated or under investigation by the Commission for theft of public funds to deploy such gimmicks, Hon Richard Onyonka has overstretched it.”

EACC’s call to Onyonka

According to EACC, Onyonka should “stop frustrating the fight against corruption and support strong anti-corruption legislation.

“Senators have a constitutional obligation to advance public accountability in Kenya and as such, Hon Onyonka should abandon actions that frustrate the fight against corruption. As a Senator, he is, for instance, expected to support strong anti-corruption legislation such as the original version of the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 which is aimed at taming conflict of interest and theft of public funds in the national and county governments,” EACC added.

EACC says contrary to the allegations, it has investigated multiple cases which have led to the recovery of public funds and assets.

“Contrary to the view held by the Senator, EACC has investigated numerous multi-billion graft cases resulting in successful civil recovery suits by the Commission and recommendations, with cogent evidence, for the prosecution of high-profile suspects. This information is available in the various EACC Annual and Quarterly Reports submitted to Parliament.”