Kenyan anti-corruption body declared unconstitutional

In a blow to the Kenyan government, the High Court in Nairobi has ruled that the setting up of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Authority in 1997 was unconstitutional.

The court ruled that its powers were in conflict with those of the Attorney-General, who was the only person mandated to undertake public prosecutions.

The court also said it was wrong for a High Court judge Justice Aaron Ringera to head the anti-corruption authority -- and ruled that all the authority's cases should be handed over to the Attorney-General.

Two civil servants brought the case, challenging the authority's power to prosecute them.

There may now be further challenges.

Correspondents say the ruling will be seen internationally as a setback to the government's fight against corruption.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service