Why Gachagua wants EACC, DCI to hire accountants

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has challenged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to hire accountants.

The Deputy President said the two institutions need to have accountants in their ranks, for effective investigation of corruption related matters.

“To EACC and DCI, please hire accountants and procurement officers as investigators who can offer advice on investigations processes. You find some of these police men, they have no idea about accounting," the DP said.

He speaks from a point of experience, having been arrested, interrogated and charged over corruption allegations while serving as Mathira MP during the last regime.

“Even ourselves as graduates we don’t understand some of these things. That is why we hire professionals to advise us because we are not good in that profession."

“How can police officers interrogate and make you record statements on things they cannot comprehend?” Some investigating officers can be very absurd while dealing with complex matters which they barely understand," he added.

The DP spoke while presiding over the 40th Annual Seminar of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) in Mombasa on Tuesday.

He noted that police lack professional experience to investigate complex corruption and economic crimes, which are beyond their pay grade.

"Now that we have agreed on police reforms, we will have a cadet entry so that we attract professionals to enter into the level of an Inspector. I want to encourage professionals across the country that when we implement that reform and there is recruitment, please accountants come to the police force as a direct cadet to deal with those complex issues," said the DP.

Gachagua added that development of our country relies on an accounting profession built on integrity, accountability and transparency.

"For a robust accountability system in Kenya, professionals in accountancy and other related professions must remain focused on strengthening their capacity and regulatory frameworks to effectively contribute to building our Nation," he emphasised.