President Kibaki has just re-appointed Aaron Ringera for a further five years as chief executive of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission. The appointment is controversial because according to news reports the KACC has failed to prevent wholesale looting of the public coffers by members of the ruling elite during Mr Ringera’s current term. The position of KACC CEO is one of the highest paid positions in Kenya, reflecting the importance of stamping out corruption.
It is widely thought that cases of major corruption involving influential and powerful people are regarded as too difficult by the KACC, so the KACC ignores them and concentrates on minor cases. As one humorist has put it, “To enhance the war on chicken thieves and pickpockets, Government is extending Aaron Ringera tenure at the KACC.” The KACC currently has power to investigate corruption, but not to prosecute suspects.
However, the KACC’s track record is not the only reason why his re-appointment is controversial. According to the Law Society of Kenya, the president does not have the power to appoint Mr Ringera. The correct appointment procedure involves a recommendation being made by the advisory board of the KACC. The recommendation should thereafter be taken to Parliament for approval. The irregular reappointment of an unsuccessful head of the country’s major anti-corruption authority does not bode well for the future of Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts.