Yatta constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Basil has called for the disbandment of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Speaking during a televised interview with K24 TV on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Basil stated that the anti-graft body has failed in its mandate.

The lawmaker questioned whether the anti-graft agency is functional, or is being used to settle political scores.

According to Basil, EACC will always come knocking at your door once you find yourself in the wrong books with the government.

The lawmaker argued that if EACC was working, state officers would have restrained themselves from stealing.

“It makes us ask ourselves. What about EACC? Are these people really working or other only used for political scores? When you are not in the right book with the government that is when EACC are on your neck. Because that body does not seem to be working. I think this body should be disbanded like yesterday. Because if they were working, that would restrain state officers from stealing, because that is where one incident of SHIF/SHA, where someone has stolen Ksh1.6 billion in 42 days. What about other sectors?” Basil stated.

Hon. Robert Basil: What about EACC? Are these people really working or other only used for political scores? When you are in the wrong book with the government that is the time EACC is on your neck. It should be disbanded.#NewDawn pic.twitter.com/8F4yb1kAh3

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) November 13, 2024

SHA boss suspended

Basil’s remarks come a day after the board of SHA suspended its CEO Elijah Wachira over what they termed as professional misconduct.

The board of the SHA on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, sent Wachira on compulsory leave that will last for 90 days, with Financial Services Director Robert Ingasira being named as acting boss.

“This is to inform you of the resolution of the board to send you on compulsory leave effective immediately for a period of 90 days to allow for further investigations on your professional conduct and performance as the acting CEO of the Social Health Authority,” the letter read in part.

“While on leave, you shall be entitled to all your current remuneration and benefits. The board has further appointed Robert Ingasira as the Acting CEO while you are on leave. Therefore, please hand over the office to him immediately.”

SHA was officially rolled out in Kenya on October 1, 2024, to replace the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).