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{
    "id": 1456958,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1456958/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 206,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Omogeni",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13219,
        "legal_name": "Erick Okong'o Mogeni",
        "slug": "erick-okongo-mogeni"
    },
    "content": "generates reports that raise issues of financial improprieties in our counties, but we do not see any action. An issue was raised on the Conflict of Interest Bill that came to this Senate. We did not mutilate the Bill. All we did was to remind the EACC that those offenses they were trying to create in the legislation are already captured in other pieces of legislation. I can even table evidence before the Senate to demonstrate that there are a number of governors who are already in court charged with the offence of conflict of interest in line with Section 42 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the former Governor of Samburu County is already facing a court case on conflict of interest. The former Governor of the Nairobi City County Government is already in court, charged under Section 42 of the Anti- Corruption and Economic Crimes Act on conflict of interest. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the former Governor of Kiambu County, who was impeached by this House is already facing charges in courts of law, on breach of Section 42. So, it is not right for EACC to create the impression that we are trying to weaken legislations dealing with corruption. In fact, I would like to work with EACC on how we can, as the Senate, or the collective Parliament of the Republic of Kenya, fast-track conclusion of investigations on cases touching on corruption. On that one, I would like to partner with the EACC to ensure that there is speedy conclusion of cases touching on corruption offences and that they are heard and concluded within the statutory period of six months. That way, we will be genuinely responding to a matter that is of concern to most of us. How can it be right that despite the good work that the committee has done, the investigations that have been undertaken by the EACC, the decision that has been made by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) to prosecute governors who have been involved in corruption, there is not even one conviction. Cases that were taken to court in 2019 are still pending in the year 2024. You witnessed the trial of the former President of the United States of America (USA). It was on CNN, we all watched. In a record period of 10 days, the case was presented before the court, evidence taken and a verdict delivered. Maybe as country, we need to re-examine whether we need to take the jury system if that is what will help us to have faster hearing and conclusion of corruption cases. Without deterrence, we will convert this House into re-writing the Book of Lamentations. We cannot be coming here every now and then we get good reports from the Committee led by Sen. M. Kajwang,’ but all we do is lamentation. Yesterday, I was watching my governor, my good friend, Governor Nyaribo speak. He appeared before the Select Committee led by Sen. M. Kajwang’. One of the issues that came to the attention of the committee was a fraudulent payment of Kshs6.5 million that the Governor made to himself. When questioned, he said that he fraudulently paid himself and the pay slip was there. He also said EACC and he quietly entered into an out-of-court settlement. He agreed to refund the money quietly. ‘So this money has quietly been refunded and now I am okay.’ So, yesterday, he was saying, ‘if I am a criminal, why has the EACC not arrested me?’ The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}