Transparency Inter Kenya, Inuka Kenya Trust, and the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and Aids (KELIN), have reached out to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), to provide information in regard to the progress of the KEMSA Covid-19 procurement scandal probe.
A lack of communication or any relevant information on the progress of the cases is what fuelled the dissatisfied lobby groups present in the demonstration held.
The lobby group cited Article 35 of the constitution of Kenya 2010 on the right of access to information and sections 9(1) and 11(1) of the Access to Information Act, 2016, allowed them right to do so.
They further said there was a high possibility that some of the people who were involved in the scandal that saw a lot of taxpayers’ money lost, would be involved in campaigns in preparation for the August polls.
“Kenyans are tired of the back and forth between the EACC and ODPP as they just want to see action hence require a statement from both institutions to address Kenyans on the progress in regards to this case. To enable comprehension of how far it is and what way to progress,” Sheila Masinde, Executive Director, Transparency International Kenya(TI-Kenya) said.
The lobby groups said no there was no progress on the Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA) Covid-19 probe despite a directive by the president, President Uhuru as issued on August 26, 2020. The directive was for investigative agencies to undertake and conclude investigations within three weeks.
The group in a presser said, “While no information is forthcoming from the ODPP on the KEMSA Covid-19 probe, corruption cases in the health sector continue leading to losses of billions of taxpayers’ shillings. This has, in turn, derailed the service delivery which has put lives of thousands of citizens at risk.”
“People who have the capability that is money are seeking office despite having cases of stolen funds, corruption. Such people once elected into office pass the laws that ensure their protection which makes it harder for them to be charged by the law for their crimes,” a senior prosecutor attending the demo said.
“There is a need for knowledge of those involved to have them culpable since some we red-carded as the civil societies of Kenya from running for elections. The money that was lost might already be circling out there supporting the big campaigns because some of those involved were big players. Kenyans are really concerned and we urge you to take this matter solemnly and address us,” Masinde Sheila CEO of Transparency International Kenya(TI-Kenya) said as she concluded.
