Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson Bishop David Oginde ignited a firestorm by declaring that Kenya’s anti-corruption framework is designed to protect the corrupt rather than combat corruption.
Speaking at a public forum, Oginde criticized the legal system for enabling impunity, particularly among high-ranking officials, while failing to deliver justice.
His remarks have amplified calls for systemic reform, with searches for “Bishop Oginde anti-corruption” and “Kenya corruption framework” surging as citizens demand accountability.
Oginde, a former pastor appointed EACC chair in 2023, argued that the legal framework’s loopholes allow corrupt officials to evade prosecution. “The legal framework is not designed to fight corruption, but rather to protect those who are corrupt,” he stated, pointing to the EACC’s struggles with cases like the Eurobond scandal, where billions remain unaccounted for.
He highlighted how the EACC’s investigative powers, granted by Parliament in 2011, have been undermined by overlapping mandates with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah echoed this, accusing the EACC of chasing petty thieves while ignoring multi-billion scams, a sentiment shared widely on X.
The EACC, tasked with enforcing ethical governance under Chapter Six of the Constitution, has faced criticism for its ineffectiveness. Oginde, speaking at a State House event on July 30, 2025, invoked biblical references, warning corrupt officials of divine judgment akin to Ananias and Sapphira.
Yet, activists like Morara Kebaso have accused him of “praying for corruption” rather than prosecuting it, citing his leadership as evidence of a flawed system.
The 2017 Katiba Institute v Attorney General ruling, which struck down restrictive recall laws, further complicates accountability, leaving the EACC reliant on a weak legal framework.
Public frustration is palpable, with people amplifying Oginde’s remarks, which have trended for a longer time. The EACC’s failure to release a Eurobond audit report, despite promises, has fueled perceptions of inaction, with losses escalating from $2 billion to $7 billion.
Critics argue the commission’s focus on minor cases, such as low-level graft, shields powerful figures. National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi noted that Kenya’s robust anti-corruption laws, including the 2025 Conflict of Interest Act, are undermined by a lack of political will.
Oginde’s tenure, praised for bold rhetoric, has been scrutinized for limited results. His appointment from a pool of 89 candidates, including former Governor Kivutha Kibwana, was meant to bring moral authority, but critics question his effectiveness, accusing him of shielding high-profile figures.
The EACC’s recent push for lifestyle audits and asset recovery has yielded some recoveries, like KSh 4.6 billion in 2024, but major scandals remain unresolved. Oginde’s call for a restructured anti-corruption framework aligns with proposals to empower the DCI’s economic crimes unit.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions on governance. Civic groups like Operation Linda Jamii demand an overhaul of the legal framework to close loopholes exploited by the corrupt. Oginde’s remarks, while polarizing, highlight the urgency of aligning laws with Kenya’s anti-corruption goals, especially as public debt nears KSh 10 trillion.
The Devolution Conference 2025, focusing on equity and inclusion, underscored similar concerns about resource misallocation.
As Bishop Oginde’s critique of the anti-corruption framework reverberates, pressure mounts for legislative reform. His call to protect Kenya from systemic corruption resonates with citizens tired of impunity.
The EACC’s next steps, including potential policy proposals, will be critical to restoring public trust.The anti-corruption framework’s flaws, as highlighted by Oginde, continue to shield high-level offenders.
Activists demand immediate action to strengthen laws and empower agencies like the DCI. Public sentiment on X reflects a growing clamor for systemic change to combat corruption effectively.
In conclusion, Bishop David Oginde’s bold claim that Kenya’s anti-corruption framework protects the corrupt has ignited a national debate. His critique, backed by figures like Omtatah, underscores the need for a robust legal overhaul.
As people looking for “Bishop Oginde anti-corruption reforms” rise, the push to dismantle a flawed anti-corruption framework gains momentum, demanding accountability at all levels.
