The Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP), Noordin Haji on Friday, October 8, made it clear that he is ready to lose his job in the fight against corruption.
The DPP's sentiments came following the ongoing investigations into the Ksh17.6 billion Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), scandal.
Haji noted that he is ready to resign, rather than hurriedly prosecute suspects in the case, without having enough evidence.
“If a file is brought for convenience of the public for me to charge, I will not do it and am willing to lose my job for that because I won’t lie to the Kenyan people,” an excerpt from his statement reads.
In his statement, Haji, whose office is central in the fight against graft, noted that the file which is with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission(EACC) doesn’t have enough evidence, to prosecute the suspects.
“I must have a file that has evidence for me to be able to prosecute the culprits of individuals involved in KEMSA," explains the DPP.
Haji further noted that he will only prosecute the suspects if EACC proves beyond reasonable doubt that money was lost.
“I will not as ODPP go to court and charge individuals for administrative breaching. There must be evidence of money lost and evidence to show that it is not mere administrative oversight and lapses,” the DPP noted.
Notably, Haji urged the public to emulate him and be patient if they want his office to have the right people arrested.
“Those who are patient are the ones who succeed. I have been patient myself, so I urge Kenyans to continue being patient and not to lose hope as a country,” DPP Haji added.
The EACC is investigating alleged misappropriation of funds by KEMSA in the procurement of COVID-19 supplies.
The files are still with the anti-graft agency with Haji challenging the body to use as much time as they can to gather enough evidence and put together a watertight case.
