Ex-ministers face probe in Kenya

President Kibaki pledged to tackle corruption

Four former Kenyan ministers should be investigated for their alleged role in a $300m corruption scandal, the anti-graft agency says.

The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) did not name the ministers but did specify their former positions.

The KACC had been criticised for the slow pace of its investigations.

The recommendations come after two serving ministers accused former anti-graft chief John Githongo of being a "sell-out" in the pay of donors.

Mr Githongo fled to the UK last year after saying he had been threatened because of his investigations into corruption.

There is no doctrine according to Githongo that his word is gospel truth Justice Minister Martha Karua

The "Anglo-Leasing" affair has threatened to bring down the government of President Mwai Kibaki, who had promised to bring an end to rampant graft.

Two ministers have resigned after being accused of involvement.

Image tarnished

The KACC says two former finance ministers, an ex-transport minister and a former security minister should be prosecuted, along with eight top civil servants.

"Let the rule of law be let to take its course," said KACC chief Aron Ringera.

Mr Githongo still fears for his life

He also warned against "politicising the fight against corruption".

On Sunday, Justice Minister Martha Karua and Foreign Affairs Minister Raphael Tuju said the government rejected Mr Githongo's report into the scandal, which was released after he left the country.

"There is no doctrine according to Githongo that his word is gospel truth," Ms Karua said.

Education Assistant Minister Beth Mugo accused Mr Githongo of trying to destroy Kenya's foreign image.

The Anglo-Leasing affair involved contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars being awarded to fictitious firms for items such as hi-tech passports.