Members of the National Assembly have approved the nomination of Abdi Ahmed Mohamud as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The approval followed the adoption of a motion by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) recommending his appointment.
Mohamud, currently serving as the EACC Deputy CEO, is set to replace Twalib Mbarak, whose tenure ends in January. Once formally appointed by President William Ruto, Mohamud will become the third CEO of the commission.
A Decade of Service and Expertise
The incoming CEO brings over three decades of experience in law enforcement and anti-corruption efforts. Mohamud joined the Kenya Police Service in 1989 as a Cadet Inspector, marking the start of a career deeply rooted in public service. In 2005, he transitioned to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), which later became the EACC. His initial role was as a Senior Officer in the Rapid Response Division (RPD), a position that allowed him to make significant contributions to the fight against corruption.
Over the years, Mohamud rose through the ranks to become the Director of Investigations, a role he held for over a decade. In this capacity, he oversaw high-profile cases and spearheaded various investigative initiatives.
Mohamud’s academic credentials further reinforce his suitability for the role. He holds a Master’s degree in Security Risk Management from the University of Leicester, and his professional training includes courses from prestigious institutions such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Israel’s Central Institute of Intelligence, and Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.
A Heated Parliamentary Debate
The National Assembly’s approval came after an extensive vetting process and a spirited debate. Tharaka MP George Murugara, who chairs the JLAC, led the vetting exercise on Tuesday. During the session, Mohamud’s qualifications, experience, and integrity were thoroughly scrutinized.
The committee’s report, presented to the House, emphasized Mohamud’s exemplary record and leadership capabilities. Legislators across the political divide praised him as the ideal candidate to lead the fight against corruption.
Several MPs highlighted his deep understanding of the anti-graft landscape and his unwavering commitment to public service. “This is a man who has dedicated his life to ensuring accountability and transparency in public offices,” one legislator remarked. Others expressed optimism that Mohamud’s leadership would usher in a renewed era in the EACC’s efforts to combat corruption.
However, the debate was not without dissenting voices. Some legislators questioned the efficacy of the EACC under previous leadership and called for systemic reforms to complement Mohamud’s appointment.
A Strategic Transition
Mohamud’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the EACC seeks to strengthen its mandate and deliver on public expectations. He succeeds Twalib Mbarak, a former military intelligence officer who has led the commission since January 2019. Mbarak, known for his disciplined approach, took over from Halakhe Waqo, the inaugural EACC CEO.
As Mohamud prepares to take over, he faces the enormous task of tackling entrenched corruption in Kenya. His priorities are expected to include enhancing the commission’s investigative capacity, fostering public trust, and pursuing high-profile cases to deter corruption at all levels.
A Renewed Focus on Anti-Corruption
The approval of Mohamud’s nomination has been seen as a vote of confidence in his ability to lead the EACC. With his wealth of experience and credentials, many hope his leadership will invigorate Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts.
As he transitions to his new role, Mohamud’s tenure is anticipated to set the tone for the future of the EACC, positioning the commission as a cornerstone of Kenya’s accountability framework.
