Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and the National Anti-Corruption Steering Committee have launched an anti-graft booklet that provides a comprehensive process and a clear framework to fight the vice.
The launch of the booklet that spells out how to implement strategies to fight corruption comes at a time when the cases of graft are on the rise in the public and private sectors.
Leaders present during the launch at St Mary’s Pastoral Centre in Nakuru also called for the inclusion of anti-corruption and national ethos in the school curriculum.
Chief Administrative Secretary, State Law Office, and Department of Justice Professor Micheni Ntiba maintained the need for the implementation of anti-corruption studies in Kenya’s education curriculum as a way of preventing graft in the country.
“Citizens also need to change their mindset about the vice and stop viewing corruption as a way of seeking favors from public and private entities, making quick money, and amassing wealth without effort,” he said.
IRCK chairman Rev Joseph Mutie observed that Kenyans despise those fighting corruption and glorifying the corrupt by electing them to political offices.
“There is a need to change this public perception and it requires a concerted effort by the concerned authorities and church leaders to fight the deeply entrenched immorality,” said Mutie.
He urged fellow religious leaders to preach the good morals as taught in the Holy Books and catalyse a behavioral change of the people.
“The IRCK and National Anti-Corruption Steering Committee were created to hold regional outreaches and reduce the growing trend of corruption in the country,” he said.
Mutie said through the two bodies, religious leaders would activate grassroots structures and cascade their campaigns against corruption downstream.
"The public is the biggest loser if run-away corruption continues, people will continue paying heavy taxes as well-connected individuals stash away national funds,” he said.
He wondered why some people had been declared unfit to run for public office yet they are cleared to vie for political office.
"We have crafted so many laws against corruption there is a need for us to relook at the law and act proactively," said Mutie.
