Corruption: Why private sector wants lifestyle audits revived
Zackhary Ochuodho @zachuodho
The multi-sectoral forum against corruption has called on the government to revive the lifestyle audits which it started last year to help in the fight against the vice.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) energy and extractives sector board chairman James Mwangi, said all Kenyans have the moral responsibility to report any activity that they feel is not right.
He said corruption is there in both private and public sectors and must be fought from all sides, adding that lifestyle audit which began with the government supply officers should continue.
Mwangi said an effective lifestyle audit backed by assets recovery for unexplained wealth is an important strategy and roadmap to fight corruption and one most likely to bring about success.
Speaking yesterday during Kepsa media forum, said the institutions mandated to carry out life style audits must be independent and also have the capacity to carry out audits without fear or favour.
Wilfred Kiboro, a member of the organisation, said there is a need for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure that they do not delay in arresting those who loot as doing would go along way in stopping such activities.
He decried that although arrest and prosecution have been seen no person arrested of corruption has been jailed.
He said unless people saw looters of public fund being jailed, they cannot stop corruption.
Kiboro said pushing the corrupt and charging them in court is not enough. Those who acquire money or wealth corruptly must not be allowed to use the money.
He said self-declared wealth declaration forms should be made available to the public for scrutiny. The forum brings together members from all corners of society.
