Latest: Corruption and Money Laundering.

Corruption Currents: Kenya’s Top Anti-Graft Official Resigns.

Philip Kinisu said he resigned as chairman of
Kenya's Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. PHOTO: REUTERS

By Tom Odula | AP August 31

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s top anti-corruption official said Wednesday he has resigned after his family business was mentioned as a company that did business with a ministry implicated in corruption.

Since its inception in 1997, all five heads of the country’s corruption watchdog have resigned or been forced out of office in what analysts say is a result of deeply entrenched corruption in the country.

Philip Kinisu said in a statement that it had become impractical to serve as Chairman of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission because of negative deliberations in public about the dealings of his family’s company and the Ministry of Devolution and National Planning.

“I maintain that the company and I are innocent of the allegations that have been made. At the same time significant resources and attention are being expended by the state and public on deliberating these matters instead of fighting corruption,” Kinisu said.

A report by Parliament’s Legal and Justice Committee had recommended that the president form a tribunal to investigate him, Kinisu said. Police have not charged Kinisu.

Readmore: