In a few months, Kenyans head to the ballot to elect leaders for all six elective positions. This group will steer the country for the next five years before seeking another mandate.
The economic and social welfare of all Kenyans will depend on the integrity and effectiveness of these leaders. One of the major factors that determine the performance of the economy and the development pace of a nation is the level of corruption.
The Corruption Perception Index report 2020 by Transparency International ranks Kenya at position 124 out of 180 countries with a score of 31/100. It ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of corruption in the public sector.
The ranking is based on a scale of 0 to 100, 0 being the most corrupt and 100 being the least corrupt. This shows the level of corruption in Kenya is of grave concern. Kenya loses and estimated one-third of the annual budget to corruption every year and cumulatively, the nation has lost more than Sh6.6 trillion to corruption.
President Uhuru Kenyatta noted with concern that in spite of the measures applied in the fight against graft, the nation has been losing close to Sh2 billion a day. That translates to more than Sh700 billion annually.
How much do you think can be done with Sh700 billion? How many hospitals? How many classrooms? How many new doctors or teachers?
Kenya has enough laws to fight corruption. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is a constitutional institution with full powers and independence to counter graft. In collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the EACC should not be hitting any snags in prosecuting corruption cases and recovering stolen funds.
What then is the problem?
The answer is simple. Political hypocrisy and weak judicial system. Despite the independence of various bodies, interdependence is inevitable. Appointees to these bodies, for instance, are vetted and confirmed for appointment through Parliament.
Legislators can as well vote to remove these officials from office. It is Parliament that also approves changes to funding for these institutions. The judiciary plays the role of conviction once sufficient evidence has been compiled and presented in court. At this juncture, the future of the public funds in question lies solely with the decision of the presiding judge and, needless to say, his or her integrity.
While much has been done to improve the war against graft, Kenyans have been treated to irritating political melodrama in regards to corruption allegations. Our politicians have shamelessly turned the graft war into a political joke.
An official, whether elected or appointed, once charged with economic crimes terms it political persecution. In his attempt to push the war against graft, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his government have been accused of targeting his political dissidents. That is a joke that is not funny!
A smart move would be to clear one’s name beyond reasonable doubt and also provide any available evidence to nail beneficiaries and players in corrupt deals. The war on corruption will not be won without honest political support.
The campaign period is akin to the interviewing for a job. Politicians are presenting their CVs to the public in the form of manifestos and campaign pledges. Kenyans should do their due diligence and make correct judgement calls on who they elect. We should be careful not to elect people who use their wealth and positions to either frustrate corruption investigations or choose to shield suspects of corruption from prosecution.
A leader who defends corruption suspects has no problem with allowing graft to run wild under their watch. That’s a leader who will allow selfish self-enrichment by their cronies at the expense of the public good. That’s a leader who will allow hospitals to run out of drugs and have fewer medical personnel, our pupils and students to lack enough classrooms and teachers and our people to starve to death just to line their pockets and those in their political circles.
Democracy means that a government is formed by the people for themselves. Kenyans are responsible for the leaders they elect. In the upcoming elections, the Kenyan voter has a chance to put Kenya and all Kenyans in save hands.
It will be extremely wise to shun leaders who have an appetite for public funds and vote in people who will protect the public coffers. Every Kenyan who loves their country should wake up and vote for a leader who makes sure that taxpayers’ money will work for each and every Kenyan and not just a few gluttons. Let every Kenyan voter stand with integrity against shameless impunity and entitlement. God Bless Kenya.
(Edited by V. Graham)
