Nairobi (Alshahid) -The MPs told the anti-graft agency’s director, Prof Patrick Lumumba, not to be intimidated by threats from corruption riddled political party ODM.

Speaking at Parliament Buildings, the MPs told ODM not to interfere with the anti-graft agency.

Raila Odinga the Prime Minister and leader of the graft ridden ODM party has also previous come out to publicly announce that he will defend his party leaders caught in corruption scandals.

The political impact of the prosecution of ODM chairman Henry Kosgey, who was arraigned in court on Tuesday, was evident in the statements.

PNU chief whip Johnstone Muthama said the fight against corruption would continue regardless of the stature of those indicted and taken to court.

“We want the fight to continue. The matter was discussed in Parliament but nobody came to defend (Kosgey) then,” said Mr Muthama.

He said it was wrong for ODM MPs to suggest the anti-graft agency was targeting “their ministers”.

“If you’re caught in this web…if you’re caught stealing, don’t go to your party or tribe. Everybody should carry their cross,” Kinangop MP David Ngugi said.

Speaking separately, 19 MPs made a statement urging ministers under investigation to resign or be sacked.

The MPs said the war on corruption must not be politicised or be seen to be targeting parties or individuals.

“Now that Lumumba is going after the big fish, politicians should keep off. The fact that the first big fish is from one side does not mean those to follow should come from a different side,” Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau said.

The 19 MPs said the fight against graft must be stepped up. Nominated MP Musikari Kombo, a member of the Association of Parliamentary Networks Against Corruption, urged ODM to keep off.

“PLO is doing a good job. We should not attack him but encourage him to work harder,” he said.

The three MPs said both PNU and ODM manifestos made clear commitments to fight the vice. “It is unfortunate that it is becoming politicised.

Speaking to the Nation separately, PNU election director Ekwe Ethuro said Prof Lumumba should not be intimidated.

“Criminality or corruption is not coalition business to be dealt with on a one to one ratio. KACC should go where there is evidence of crime. If they all come from PNU or ODM, so be it,” the MP said.

“It is wrong for the political class to intimidate PLO, who seems to be on the right track,” he said. Mr Ethuro said ODM seemed determined to protect their own and undermine the fight on graft.

Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said the war on graft would not relent. “There is no political witch-hunting and that is why suspects remain innocent until proven guilty,” Dr Mutua said.(Daily Nation)