The National Assembly’s departmental committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on Wednesday, December 4, approved the appointment of nominee Abdi Mohamud Ahmed to the position of chief executive officer of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
While moving the motion for the appointment of the nominee on the floor of Parliament, the vice chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs Mwengi Mutuse announced the committee had approved Mohamud’s appointment.
“The committee approves Abdi Mohamud Ahmed for the appointment as the secretary and chief executive officer of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC),” he told the Parliamentary sitting.
He announced thorough vetting by the departmental committee on justice and legal affairs explaining that all legal thresholds were met.
The lawmaker added that the nominee had fulfilled all requirements pursuant to Article 250 Sub-article 12 of the Constitution and Section 16(1) of the EACC Act cap 7h as read together with sections 3 and 8 of the public Appointments parliamentary approval Act cap 7f.
According to Mutuse, Ahmed appeared before the committee which was satisfied with his capacity to fill the office.
“The nominee was recruited through an open transparent and completive process, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law,” he said.
“The justice and legal affairs committee is equally satisfied that the nominee meets all the constitutional and statutory requirements in particular those on citizenship, leadership, ethics and integrity, and tax compliance,” he added.
The approval marks a significant process for EACC as it is a key institution tasked with combating corruption and promoting ethical conduct within public service.
Established under the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, it plays a crucial role in investigating corruption-related offences, educating the public about integrity issues, and enforcing compliance with anti-corruption laws.
If approved by the National Assembly Muhamud will take over the helm of EACC from Twalib Mbarak in 2025. Mbarak served for a term of six years since January 2019.
Mohamud was shortlisted from the 172 applicants who had applied for the role. EACC later whittled down to 14 candidates which were interviewed with Mohamud picked as the ideal candidate to succeed Mbarak.
The appointment of Abdi Mohamud Ahmed comes at a time when there are increasing calls for transparency and accountability in government institutions.
