In a significant event to mark the progressive and persistent fight against corruption, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) have joined forces to reinforce the battle against the malpractice.

The consultative meeting and Press Club luncheon featured key members from the organisations including EACC Chair David Oginde, EACC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdi A. Muhamud, MCK CEO David Omwoyo and KEG President Zubeida Koome, showcased a collaborative front to curb corruption.

Revealing the crucial role that the media plays in this fight, the ceremony underscored the need for media to be empowered in training, funding and also protection policies in order to enhance their relentless efforts towards exposing corruption.

In his remarks, Oginde called on the citizens of Kenya to report, whistle-blow and be vigilant on governance and accountability wherever they are.

Oginde echoed the role media as a public watchdog in exposing evil, activities and the things that have been in the background and this being a much faster route in dealing with corruption cases. He mentioned that as EACC, the responsibility involves monitoring, investigating, preventing, prosecuting and recovering stolen assets or yet to be stolen assets from thieving hands.

“Let us deal with the monkeys that are eating from the labour of our farms, if we work together we will win this fight,” Oginde affirmed.

Omwoyo acknowledged the importance of this collaboration and expressed his optimism towards the cause, stating that he was hopeful that it will bear fruit. He also emphasised on the need of media funding to help the various journalists in pursuit of stories on corruption cases.

Additionally, he called on partnership from more stakeholders like the UN Office on Crime, who he said could easily chip in on an already rolling project.

On her part, Zubeida pointed out on the scale of financial misconduct which remains alarming, with billions of shillings meant for development being stolen, yet only a small fraction is ever recovered.

She called for a stronger, more coordinated approach between investigative agencies and the media track to expose and recover stolen public assets.

As the fight for corruption pushes on, it is evident of the continuous efforts of the relevant bodies in the fight against this problem.

It is also a call to action to the citizens of Kenya to join in on the endeavour to combat this piercing issue.

• A Tell Media / KNA report /By Jesee Otieno and Gesora Minax