0,02 shillingis

Posted on February 15, 2006 by jke

To me, the recent turmoil in Kenya’s internal politics regarding the (not so new) revelations on the Goldenberg and Anglo Leasing scandals, which comes along with an almost embarassing process where we see politicans blaming each other, clinging onto their reputation and what’s left of their integrity, clearly shows that the Republic of Kenya has in the past been run by people that have no problems with looting public funds for their own needs and using the juridical system to play according to their rules.
The shocking news is that almost every big name in the political scene seems to be involved, hence I wonder where Kenyans will find uninvolved and honest politicians that are willing to stand up for their country and resist any temptations in terms of becoming corrupted or betraying their people in any other way.
How – and this isn’t about Kenya only – are the corruption networks in the civil service supposed to be uncovered if politicians – in their position as role models – themselves behave in such autocratic ways?
In the end, it seems, it’s a matter of trusting elected leaders – and this, for me, is the biggest betrayal – a betrayal of confidence. I don’t know if all the looted money could ever bring back the faith the Kenyan public has put into the Kibaki government after the peaceful and democratic transition from the Moi era. Was it worth it?
Kenyans clearly deserve better than this.

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3 Responses to 0,02 shillingis

  1. Irena says:
    February 17, 2006 at 3:07 pm

    JKE: You have raised very valid questions on the state of our leaders. As much as we Kenyans are romanticizing with the idea that we will get some young uncorrupt leaders to lead our country, I still believe that corruption is very much entrenched in our society and it will take men and women with utmost/highest integrity to resist the “sweetness” of corruption to enrich themselves too. It is not only the politicians or civil service that are corrupt , the private sector too is corrupt .Infact they are in cohorts with the corrupt government and of course the half of the private economic sector is owned by the very politicians we are geting rid of . One thing we are not addressing is THE Private Sector and some individuals who are in the diaspora who are part of the master minds of the ongoing corruption …..the network, the groupies, the KYMs …for they are there and some even represent us in the highest institutions of the world. ….. Let me stop here before the CID come asking questions :-))).
    I was glad to read the World Bank reaction to the ongoings in Kenya report for they touched partly on these two groups who shold be investigated as well…

  2. Zinzi says:
    February 18, 2006 at 6:35 pm

    If anyone had told me ten years ago that corrupt leaders could be forced to step down by public demand I would have wondered what country was the subject of discussion.

    During Moi’s regime if anyone stepped down it was because they were being sacrificed in order to further pull the wool over the eyes of the international donor community, the international press and the Kenyan public (in that order of importance).

    It is a small step but a step in the right direction. When Kibaki came to power he said he would not be a “godfather” to anyone. We, the citizens did not believe it and we adopted a “wait and see” stance because we had lived with the godchildren for so long we could not envision their demise.

    Clearly the budding “godkids” such as Murungaru and company did not believe it either as they proceeded to commit acts with impunity believing that they could hide behind godpapa”s coattails if the tropical heat got too hot. Their senses were, it would seem, dulled by the fog of the season’s end.

    It is an exciting time in the history of Kenya’s politics. We shall see a definite change in the political landscape. Let us take the time to cultivate and nurture a healthy crop of leadership that is characterized by integrity. Let us choose, in 2007, personalities we believe have values. Let us start the excercise by not allowing ourselves as voters to be compromised and corrupted as we take part in the process. If we don’t then it follows reason that we reap what we sow.

    Insite of the goings on Kenya is an island of serenity surrounded by countries that have known military coups and violent civil strife. There is a bone inherent in our bodies that believes in democracy. We want prosperity. We value our humanity. We stand tall against the weight of intimidation by corrupt leadership. We will get over “kitu kidogo” which has now grown to enormous proportions as shown in the Goldenberg and Anglo-leasing scandals.

    It will take time
    It will take prayer
    It will take our concerted will
    More than anything
    It will take that complete catharsis
    Of the corrupt tendencies
    At every level
    From the voters
    To those we vote for

    All those in favor vote in 2007!

  3. Adrian says:
    February 21, 2006 at 4:31 am

    unfortunately, there aren’t many young politicians with no corruption history behind them. and many of the other politicians who aren’t in the spotlight right now, probably would have acted in the same manner if they would have had the opportunity.