Circus at EACC a pointer to the power of corruption

That there is high drama at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is an understatement. Nearly all top officials of the Commission — the Chair, Deputy Chair and CEO — have become key actors in some kind of theatre. This at a time many are waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the President’s 60 day ultimatum on the conclusion of corruption cases presented to Parliament several weeks back. The question in many, therefore, is whether this is all by coincidence or is orchestrated by some invisible hands.

When the President stepped into Parliament some weeks back and dropped the bombshell of a list of those suspected of involvement in corruption, Parliament responded with thunderous applause and standing ovations. Both sides of the political divide were united in their appreciation for the President’s action.

Outside Parliament, wananchi were equally elated and full of praise for the President’s act of bravery; bravery because no leader at that level had hitherto taken such a drastic measure in dealing with corruption. But that was before the dossier was opened and names of suspects revealed.

As soon as the list of shame was opened and the high profile names revealed, everything went wild. The palm-waving political throng that had applauded the President both in and outside Parliament, immediately turned into a bloodthirsty crowd demanding for his crucifixion.

The demands for stepping aside were rubbished by a section of the political elite, while the appearance at the commission has been turned into a show of some kind of bravado — almost making a mockery of the whole process. But what has been most disturbing is the apparent move to up the ante on the call to dismantle the EACC.

There is no doubt that the service of the senior commission officials has been shrouded in mystery right from before the time of their appointments. However, the current drama that has engulfed the EACC has been particularly intriguing.

Whether by default or design, there has been greater and concerted efforts to ensure the commission is either derailed or crippled. Indeed, the key corruption investigators are now facing investigations into their own alleged involvement in impropriety.

Whereas we must not absolve the commission officials from any accusations against them unless and until they are cleared, the intensity and speed with which they have been pursued raise more questions than answers. The same Parliament that has been pussyfooted on dealing with these commissioners seem to have suddenly acquired hinds feet after a number of the honourable members were accused of not being too honorable in their handling of public funds. Furthermore, EACC chair Mr Mumo Matemu recently claimed his life was in danger after his car was hit twice by unknown assailants in a van.

It has been severally said that corruption fights back, but it may appear that big corruption fights back big! This has meant that the fight against corruption has not yielded any tangible results. The result is that the country has been held at ransom by corrupt cartels of power wielders.

These men and women have ridden roughshod against the dreams and ambitions of Kenyans with the consequence of bringing our economy to its knees. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that even the current challenges we are facing with insecurity, and especially terrorism, may have direct links to doors that have been swung open for our enemies by the hand of corruption.

Looking at the actions of the President in the recent past in dealing with allegations of corruption, it would appear that his mind is made up to go all the way in dealing with this matter. What has been so admirable is the resolve with which he first stepped forth to rid the country of this virus.

He has since put his neck on the line, even sacrificing previously trusted lieutenants. Whether he may be simply playing politics as some have alleged, the picture he is painting resonates with many who are tired of this disease.

The sad bit is that many of our leaders have not as yet come to terms with just how bad this cancer has eaten into our system and what damage it is causing. Selfish greed still seems too powerful to shake off in favour of the good of the nation. The truth, however, is that if the recent decisive actions by the President fail to bear any tangible results, corruption is going to so entrench itself deep into our national psyche that it will be almost impossible to deal with it in the future.

That is why Kenyans must not allow our leaders to play politics with matters life and death — and corruption has gone beyond national disaster. It is a national catastrophe!