ODM Senator for Narok Ledama ole Kina led Senators to introduce amendments to Bill that made a joke out of efforts to control corruption
On Wednesday, the National Assembly decisively rejected all amendments proposed by the Senate to the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023. This decision aligns with the recommendations from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which argued that the proposed amendments would permit state officials and their family members to conduct business with the institutions they oversee. Such allowances could exacerbate theft and mismanagement of public resources, undermining the integrity of government operations.
In light of this rejection, This Committee is expected to engage in discussions to reconcile the differences between the two legislative bodies. The Bill will now be sent to a Mediation Committee composed of equal members from both the Senate and the National Assembly, as outlined in Article 113 of the Constitution.
The EACC has been advocating for robust anti-corruption legislation, emphasizing that current gaps and weaknesses in existing laws remain significant barriers to effective anti-corruption efforts. These legal loopholes often provide escape routes for individuals engaged in corrupt practices, highlighting the urgent need for reform.