The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), on Thursday, October 3, announced that it would investigate some public and state officers over the possession of illegal documents.
The documents in question are relate to dual citizenship statuses that some officials are alleged to possess.
Majority leader Aden Duale, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika are among the leaders whose names had been forwarded to the investigative body for probing.
"EACC has launched investigations to verify these allegations with a view to taking appropriate action against the public officers in accordance with the law. Such action could include initiating mechanisms for removal from office for violation of Chapter Six of the constitution," EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak stated.
The commission noted that, whereas the constitution provided for the right to acquire dual citizenship, the same is prohibited for state and public officers save for a certain category of judges, members of commissions or any person who has been made a citizen of another country's law, without the ability to opt-out.
EACC's action comes days after activist Okiya Omtatah Okoiti asked the anti-graft agency to probe the nationality of Kenyan Members of Parliament.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, on Omtatah confirmed that Duale allegedly possesses dual citizenship and in this case, was reportedly in possession of a Somali passport.
The MPs are Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, Marsabit Woman Rep Sofia Adan, Mandera South MP Haji Adan, Dadaab MP Mohammed Duale, Lagdera MP Mohammed Garane, Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna, Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, Former MP Philip Kaloki.
Members of the Senate facing probe are Narok Senator Olekuna Ledama and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika.
Article 78 (2) of the constitution on citizenship and leadership provides that a State officer or a member of the defence forces shall not hold dual citizenship.
Section 52 (1) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 extends the application of Chapter Six of the constitution and the Act to public officers generally.
"We urge Kenyans to support the commission in this endeavour so as to ensure servant and transformative leadership that will, in turn, ensure effective, efficient, transparent and accountable service delivery for the benefit of all," Mbarak stated.
