• Omtatah went on to state that over 10 months since Kenya Kwanza took the reins, it has not dealt with those involved in runaway corruption.
• He also faulted the law enforcement agencies for not honoring their mandates.
Image: FILE
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised concern that Kenyans have not been keen on expressing enough disapproval on the looters of public funds.
In a statement on Saturday, Omtatah said even though this vice is driving the country into an "economic coma", no one seems to care enough to deal with it.
"No one seems to care and yet the Constitution is very clear on what awaits looters of public funds," he said.
He quoted Article 201 (d) which states that "Public money shall be used in a prudent and responsible way."
Further, Article 226 (5) states, "If the holder of a public office, including a political office, directs or approves the use of public funds contrary to law or instructions, the person is liable for any loss arising from that use and shall make good the loss, whether the person remains the holder of the office or not."
Omtatah went on to state that over 10 months since Kenya Kwanza took the reins, it has not dealt with those involved in runaway corruption.
He also faulted the law enforcement agencies for not honoring their mandates.
"So far, the KK government has done too little to contain the re-emergence of corruption cartels which are looting public funds with abandon. The law enforcement agencies appear reluctant to act, or are unconcerned," he said,
The Senator was commenting on remarks made by Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri urging President William Ruto to deal with the looters, especially those who defrauded the government in the last regime.
He said it was time for the country to recover and unlock its economic potential.
"If you do not hold to account the thieves of the previous regime. If you do not hold to account the impunity of the previous regime, you have no business being in the position you hold," he said.
Throughout the 2022 campaign period and during his inauguration, Ruto vowed to end corruption and cartels with the phrase "nikiwekelea Bibilia chini...".
In May, Ruto read the riot act to his Cabinet and the state officials at the Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDA)on the consequences of corruption.
"It is hereby reiterated that those in charge of managing public resources will take personal responsibility for any misuse of resources," a letter by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei read.