EACC headquarters
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has dismissed as fake a letter purporting to seek the integrity vetting of several individuals allegedly nominated for Cabinet positions.
In a statement posted on its official social media platforms, the anti-graft agency distanced itself from the document after it circulated on social media.
The purported letter, dated July 23 was allegedly addressed to EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Ahmed Mohamud and claimed to have originated from the National Assembly.
It purported to request the commission to conduct integrity vetting on five individuals who were listed as nominees for various Cabinet positions.
Among those named in the forged document were Winnie Odinga, who was purportedly nominated for the Tourism and Wildlife docket, Junet Mohamed for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development and Koki Muli for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation.
Other individuals mentioned were Cleophas Malala for Agriculture and Livestock Development and Dr Agnes Zani for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
According to the letter, the vetting request was made "in line with our constitutional mandate to ensure transparency and integrity in the appointment of high-ranking public officials."
It further claimed that the commission had been asked to review each nominee's background in accordance with ethical and legal standards applicable to holders of public office.
The forged correspondence also purported to direct the commission to submit its findings by Tuesday, July 28 to facilitate what it described as further proceedings within the stipulated timelines.
The letter concluded by thanking the commission for its cooperation and commitment to promoting ethical governance and expressed anticipation for a comprehensive report on the purported nominees.
However, the EACC rejected the document in its entirety, making it clear that it was not genuine.
The commission shared the letter bearing a bold "FAKE" stamp, indicating that the document was not authentic and should not be treated as official communication.
The clarification comes amid increasing cases of fabricated government documents being shared online, often bearing official logos, letterheads and signatures in an attempt to create the impression of authenticity.
Such documents can easily mislead members of the public, particularly where they purport to communicate official government decisions or constitutional processes.
Integrity vetting of nominees for certain public offices is a recognised process under Kenya's governance framework.
Where applicable, institutions such as the EACC may provide information relevant to the suitability of nominees in accordance with the law.
However, the commission's latest clarification underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of official documents before relying on or sharing them.
