Berlin, 26 June 2006 — Transparency International (TI) is deeply concerned about allegations of conflict of interest regarding the former Executive Director of TI Kenya, Mr Mwalimu Mati. The TI movement is solidly committed to fighting corruption in Kenya and around the world. Its singular priority in this matter is to ensure a strong and effective Kenyan chapter to carry on the fight against corruption in that country.

The decision to dismiss Mr Mati was taken by the Board of Directors of TI Kenya, not by the Transparency International Secretariat, following an independent audit by international auditing firm KPMG. The board members of TI Kenya have taken appropriate actions on the basis of this report to ensure the chapter upholds the highest standards of ethics in its financial activities. If the allegations are upheld, Mr Mati may have infringed upon the international Conflict of Interests Policy that all chapters, boards and staff associated with Transparency International must uphold.

The International Secretariat will continue to work closely with TI Kenya to ensure that TI’s rigorous ethical standards are upheld. TI’s Conflict of Interests Policy can be viewed at: www.transparency.org/about_us/organisation/conflict_int [...]