Target both taker and briber to end evil dance

 

In Summary

• The developments were appropriate warning shots across the bow to the lords of impunity according to whom public resources belong to everybody and therefore to nobody.
• Underdevelopment happens when other people are advancing at your expense; which is why it is easy to find a neighbourhood with stately homes but poor roads.

Last week belonged to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions. We are not implying that the big names that felt the sting of these institutions are guilty in any way. Far from it, the law presumes their innocence until proven guilty — which is our position as well.

But the developments were appropriate warning shots across the bow to the lords of impunity according to whom public resources belong to everybody and therefore to nobody.

It is this cynical thinking that emboldens them to cover their noses and eat without the slightest regard for the national good. In their books, any public project, big or small, presents an opportunity to feast.

This culture is so entrenched that it makes the non-corrupt a laughing stock. What’s more, the vile know they will have a protector somewhere in the graft food chain. And because corruption is big business, they also set aside a budget for dealing with the police, the Judiciary and any other institution fighting the crime

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Some people might think that graft is business as usual, but they should learn their lessons now. The misuse of public office for private gain is the biggest contributor to Kenya’s underdevelopment.

Underdevelopment happens when other people are advancing at your expense; which is why it is easy to find a neighbourhood with stately homes but poor roads.

The roads remain neglected because the money set aside to fix them was privately used to put up imposing edifices in another neighbourhood.
Now that big names are being questioned or even prosecuted, we believe the crime can be cut to a minimum. And this is not a pipe dream.

Kenyans are easily scared into goodness. Prosecute 10 parastatal fat cats, 30 high school principals, two judges, three senators, 10 MPs, and the message will be loud and clear.

We know the eating chiefs always strike back, but last week’s stings must not be a flash in the pan. And lest we forget, corruption involves a giver and a taker, but we tend to see the taker as the villain, ignoring the take. To fight this crime, law enforcers should also target bribers and kill this evil dance, for it is said that it takes two to tango.