News

Keep politics off war on graft, Uhuru tells leaders

Monday, December 9th, 2019 12:00 | By
President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses faithful at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ruiru town, Kiambu county, yesterday. He vowed not to relent in the fight against corruption. Photo/PD/MATHEW NDUNG’U

President Uhuru Kenyatta has once again urged leaders to stop politicising the fight against corruption as he assured he will not relent in the bid to rid the country of the vice.

 The President yesterday urged Kenyans to support the war on graft, which he said is the greatest impediment to the country’s growth.

“It is our responsibility as 47 million Kenyans to fight corruption. This fight cannot be won by a few and, therefore, we must join hands and help eradicate graft,” he said.

Speaking at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ruiru, Kiambu county, the President reiterated that irrespective of position, tribe or political affiliation, public funds looters must be brought to book and the stolen funds recovered.  

“When you were stealing, you were not with your brothers, sisters, your tribe or church. You stole alone and so you must carry the cross alone,” he said.

Clear names

The Head of State asked those implicated in corruption to clear their names through the court system and uphold the rule of law. He assured that institutions mandated to lead the war on graft will not be interfered with.

 “As a nation which observes the rule of law, we should allow our institutions mandated to deal with corruption to do their work independently and ensure all suspects are treated equally,” said the President, who  during a fundraiser gave his personal donation of Sh3 million and pledged to give a further Sh4 million for the  construction of a new church building. 

 Uhuru’s remarks come in the wake of increased arrest and prosecution of high-profile officials implicated in graft.

The latest casualty of the arrests is flamboyant Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who was on Friday  seized hours after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji issued arrest orders against him.

The governor’s bid to block his prosecution over the corruption allegations and seek bail flopped after the High Court declined his request.

Other government officials implicated in corruption and who are facing court charges include  Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is charged alongside his wife Susan Wangari Ndung’u and eight other county employees over alleged misappropriation of public resources.

Succession politics

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal is also facing graft-related charges.

Other government officials facing charges include Suspended Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and his PS Kamau Thugge and former Gender PS Lillian Omollo, among other parastatal officials.

At the Ruiru church, Uhuru criticised leaders pre-occupied  with succession politics at the expense of serving Kenyans. He said he is easily irritated by such leaders.

The President was accompanied by Kiambu Deputy Governor James Nyoro Ruiru MP Simon King’ara, former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, Nominated senator Isaac Mwaura and Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi.

“We have a responsibility to pray for the government of the day and join the President in his endeavour to fight graft which, if not tamed now, could affect generations to come,” said King’ara.

Kabogo told off Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria for allegedly disrespecting the  President.

“Kuria is fond of spewing all manner of words against the President. Tell him to respect the President,” he said. Apart from King’ara, other MPs from the county kept off the event.

More on News


ADVERTISEMENT

RECOMMENDED STORIES News


ADVERTISEMENT