EACC Goes After All State Officers Holding Dual Citizenship

Following claims that some MPs are holders of dual citizenship, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is set to expand the scope of investigations to cover all State officials.

Besides MPs, EACC will also probe Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Governors, Deputy Governors, MCAs, county executives, heads of parastatals and military officers, according to Saturday Standard.

“The exercise is meant to ensure compliance with the law. Based on intelligence reports and information given to us by the public, the scope of the investigations are not limited to specific institutions but all State officers,” EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak told The Standard.

 “The probe has nothing to do with Parliament as an institution but State officers. The law is very clear; the officers shall not hold dual citizenship. The same applies to the defense forces.”

Mbarak said although the Constitution provides for dual citizenship, dual citizens are prohibited from taking up State and public offices unless they relinquish the second citizenship.

 “The commission will continue to escalate the war against both corruption and unethical conduct in line with Chapter Six of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and other laws,” he said.

This week, activist Okiya Omtatah lodged an official complaint with EACC seeking to have 8 MPs, two Senators and one former MP investigated for being holders of dual citizenship.

Among the leaders mentioned by Omtatah include National Majority Leader Aden Duale (Somalia) and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika (United States) but the two have since denied having dual citizenship.

“I only have one citizenship. Living abroad does not confirm one to have acquired the nationality of the other country. This is politics at play and it is a propaganda season, you cannot rule out anything,” said Kihika. 

“I am ready to be subjected to any investigations and the position will still be the same.”

Former MP Philip Kaloki also denied the allegations saying: “This is nonsense. I was even in the US this week. I went to school there. I did my bachelor's and master's degrees in the US and did my Ph.D. at the University of Nairobi. I have never tried to change or acquire another citizenship.” 

Others accused of being dual nationals include Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan (UK citizenship), Marsabit Woman Representative Safia Sheikh Adan (Somali and Ethiopian), Mandera South MP Man Haji Ali (Somali), Daadab MP Mohammed Dahir Duale (Somali), Lagdera MP Mohammed Garane (Somali), Mwingi West MP Charles Ngusya Nguna (Greece), Naivasha MP Jane Kihara (US) and Narok Senator Olekina Ledama (US).