Kenyans have been told they are to blame for the wave of corrupt leaders in the country.
Speaking at KICC during the launch of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's (EACC) five-year strategic plan, CEO Twalib Mbarak said that Kenyans mold politicians into what they become.
"If the political culture of bribery isn't going to end in this country, please don't make noise saying our politicians are corrupt. Our politicians are a product of the society and we are the ones that make them," he said on Tuesday.
Mbarak emphasized that the political culture of Kenya must change.
He gave a scenario where for one to get a political seat, they must bribe people and use other uncouth means.
He said the only sensible thing the politicians will think of once they get the position is returning the money they used to bribe.
"He will say he wants to bring development, but in his heart, he is after to recoup what he has spent, or he wants to accumulate for the next election and if he has a strategy, he has to think of having extra money in case he will not be reelected," Mbarak added.
The plan, the commission said, outlines revamped strategies for the execution of its mandate for the period 2023-2028.
Mbarak said in order to ensure the effectiveness of the new strategies, Kenya's unique social, economic, political and cultural environment was taken into account when developing the strategic plan.
The previous strategic plan expired on June 6, 2023.
President William Ruto’s administration has vowed to pursue and sustain the war on corruption across the width and breadth of his government.
He said since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010, Kenya has been grappling with the theft of public resources at an industrial scale.
Ruto has repeatedly declared his tough stand against corruption in Kenya.
The Head of State warned those fueling corruption, noting that they will be jailed if they don't stop the vice.
"Kenya is no longer a host to such criminals. If they must continue engaging in corruption, then they must leave the country. This must stop. It will stop," Ruto said during a devolution conference last month.
The President also lamented that corruption has become so rampant to the extent that Kenyans have to part with cash to secure employment in public offices.
Ruto also cautioned Kenyans against bribing officials.
"But Kenyans must also stop bribing for services that they deserve if we are to end this ill habit," he said.
