EACC Opposes Nomination of Paul Mutunga as Nairobi Deputy Governor

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has opposed the nomination of Paul Mwangi Mutunga to the position of Nairobi deputy governor over integrity issues.

Mutunga was vetted and approved by the Nairobi County Assembly last week following his nomination by Governor Ann Kananu.

EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak says the county assembly went ahead to approve Mutunga’s appointment without consulting the commission on his suitability.

In a letter to Nairobi County Speaker Benson Mutura and copied to Governor Kananu, EACC says Mutunga is unsuitable to hold the position because he is facing graft-related charges. 

“The commission wishes to bring to your attention that the nominee was charged in Milimani anti-corruption court, file number acc8/2019 with corruption offenses committed in Nairobi County government,” Mbarak says in the letter.

He adds that the deputy governor nominee is also facing other charges among them unlawful acquisition of public property, money laundering, conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, and dealing with suspect property.

“In view of the above, the commission objects to the nomination of Mutunga as the deputy governor and advises the assembly and the governor to reconsider the nomination,” EACC adds.

Last week, High Court judge Hedwig Ong’udi issued temporary orders barring the swearing-in of Mutunga following an application filed by human rights activist Okiya Omtatah.

The court heard that the county assembly approved his nomination without clearance from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other bodies.