Politicians who distribute millions of shillings during public empowerment events may soon be required to account for the source of the funds as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) steps up scrutiny of large cash expenditures by public officials.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the commission will compare the assets, income and liabilities declared by public officials with the amounts of money they publicly distribute If we discover assets that they cannot satisfactorily explain, we conduct investigations and present the matter before amid a growing number of public empowerment events where political leaders have been donating the commission will also require some politicians to explain whether the money used during such events comes from legitimate income such event took place in Suna East, where Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed donated KSh10 million, while to determine whether such spending is consistent with their lawful sources of income.
“Public officers are required to declare their assets every two years. If we discover assets that they cannot satisfactorily explain, we conduct investigations and present the matter before the court to determine whether the assets were acquired unlawfully,” Mohamud said.
His remarks come amid a growing number of public empowerment events where political leaders have been donating millions of shillings to residents, raising concerns over the source of the funds.
According to Mohamud, the commission will also require some politicians to explain whether the money used during such events comes from legitimate income, campaign funds or the abuse of public office.
However, he clarified that merely possessing or carrying large amounts of cash is not a criminal offence.
“Having money is not a crime. The question is, where did the money come from? Is it the proceeds of crime, or is it intended to facilitate bribery? Legal action can only be taken if the money is linked to criminal activity,” he said.
In recent months, several political leaders have held empowerment events across the country, distributing millions of shillings to members of the public.
One such event took place in Suna East, where Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed donated KSh10 million, while President William Ruto contributed an additional KSh10 million.
According to the official remuneration structure for public officers, Members of Parliament earn a monthly salary and allowances totaling approximately KSh1.45 million, a figure that has fueled public debate over the relationship between elected leaders’ known incomes and the large sums of money they distribute at public events.
