The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday dropped its bid to arrest CORD leader Raila Odinga after a week long tussle between the two.
EACC said that Odinga's lawyers had presented documents of his (Odinga) claims on the Eurobond scandal to the commission, hence there was no need to apprehend the Opposition principal.
The Commission's boss Halakhe Waqo stated that the documents presented on Friday, were sufficient for their investigation and that it was needless to question Odinga. He further noted that they would analyze the statement and consider whether they would need more information from Odinga.
“We confirm Raila has complied via a letter on December 11 which is being treated as his statement. In his letter he cites two documents - Quarterly Economic Budgetary Review QEBR and Budget Review Outlook Paper BROP. So he has complied and needs not come to the commission.” Waqo stated.
EACC had summoned Odinga to appear before it on Monday 14th December, but the former Prime Minister, for the second time, declined the invitation stating that EACC should carry out its own investigations on the Eurobond.
“I take a lot of exception that an officer of the commission, writing such a contemptous letter to me, reminding of consequences if I do not present myself at the so called Integrity House (Centre). I’ve said I will not go. I will not be compelled, I will not be intimidated and blackmailed by an officer of EACC.” he said while addressing the media.
Odinga was summoned by the anti-graft body after claiming that Sh140 Billion from the Eurobond fund had been stolen or was missing, demanding the National Treasury to account for the money.
In a dramatic twist last week, EACC detectives stormed Odinga's Capitol Hill office to physically hand the summon letter to the Opposition leader. However, Odinga declined to receive or acknowledge the summons, saying that he would not be compelled to do anything against his will.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also delved into the matter during the Jamhuri celebrations citing that: "Yes, I agree that those entrusted with public positions must be held to account. If found guilty the maximum punishment must be meted out. But the sword of justice cuts both ways. If you make accusations and fail to prove them, you will also be held accountable".
Read Also: Uhuru Warns Raila on Eurobond
