Graft must be strongly tackled, says Malasusa

Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa. PHOTO|FILE 

By Athuman Mtulya,The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

• Some public leaders now are not afraid to engage in fraudulent acts and spend a lot of time trying to clean their image in society 

Dar es Salaam. The Lead Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa, has strongly condemned the rising moral decadence expressed in the form of corruption among leaders and civil servants.

In his message yesterday during Christmas service at Azania Front Church in the city, Dr Malasusa said corruption in the society was due to the deteriorating fear of God among Tanzanians.

He said the worst part of it is that the culprits are not ready to repent, instead they defend themselves and their accomplices.  “While other families can’t afford even a single meal, others are stealing billions of shillings. Leaders are not accountable; they are busy trying to clear their images after embezzling public funds,” he decried.

According to Dr Malasusa it is difficult to contain the situation as of now, since several government organs were in paralysis and therefore unable to take the right action against corruption and those involved.

Ilala Municipal Mayor Jerry Silaa who was among those who attended the service said political leaders and civil servants have to seek God’s guidance in all that they are doing.

“As the Lead Bishop rightly said, laws alone can’t contain corruption.

“Sometimes we face lots of challenges, you receive a very tempting deal to endorse and you are all alone, no anti-corruption organ or anyone to trace you,  it is only God’s fear that can safely lead you out of such a trap,” he said.