EACC to get powers to access bank accounts, call records in new bill

EACC) will be granted powers to investigate bank accounts, mobile money accounts or call data records if a new bill is passed
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will be granted powers to investigate bank accounts, mobile money accounts or call data records if a new bill is passed.
The Anti-Corruption Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, seeks to amend the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and hand EACC new powers when investigating graft-related cases.
The Act originally handed EACC powers to search a suspect’s premises, while armed with a search warrant, for any property, or records believed not to have been produced to the commission.
In the new bill, the purview now extends to investigating bank accounts, mobile money accounts and call data.
The commission can also request the production of a suspect’s account opening documents, transaction documents, banker’s books, or any information relevant to the investigation.
“In an application for a warrant for the purposes of subsection (1), the Commission may seek an order prohibiting the transfer or dealing with the funds in the accounts specified in subsection (1) for thirty days,” the bill reads in part.
The AG also seeks to compel witnesses to honour EACC summons by visiting the commission’s offices or a police station to provide information relevant to the investigation.
Upon conviction, anyone who fails to comply is liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh.300,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years or both.
Cleophas Malala issues update following reports alleging death of Malava MP Malulu Injendi
CS Muturi Skips Cabinet meeting
Shock as man is arrested carrying wife’s body parts in a bag
IG Kanja speaks on skipping court summons
Chaos as students storm principal’s home, damage car and house
Prepare for a crushing defeat in 2027, Ruto tells critics
If approved, the bill will also require the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prepare quarterly reports to Parliament listing the number of investigations reports submitted by the Commission and their outcomes.
If the DPP withdraws or fails to initiate prosecution after receiving EACC’s report, the Director will be required to detail the reasons.
The quarterly reports shall be published in the Gazette and submitted to the National Assembly after publication.
Any person or organisation that is convicted of a graft-related offence, in addition to either facing jail term or paying fines or both, will be debarred for ten years.
The bill is currently undergoing public participation as the Office of the Attorney General has invited Kenyans to submit comments on the official email: amendmentbill2025@ag.go.ke by February 14, 2025.
State House addresses job loss concerns after dissolving and merging state corporations
Kenya Airways (KQ) issues warning over impersonators targeting passengers
Gachagua meets Nakuru MCAs at Wamunyoro home
42 State corporations set to be merged, 9 to be scrapped (LIST)
Top 10 most corrupt government offices; PSC survey
Shock as butchery attendant stabs colleague to death in dispute over lost meat
Stop mourning, no one listens to you anymore – Mudavadi slams Gachagua
Follow us