ODM leader Raila Odinga has renewed attacks on President
Uhuru Kenyatta‘s Jubilee administration over rampant corruption. He has on
several occasions cited the loss of National Youth Service funds and the
Eurobond saga. In this article, I will not focus much on the issue of NYS since
the matter is before the court and a final determination is yet to be made.
In regard to the Eurobond saga, Raila has continued to
insist that the country lost Sh250 billion.
It is worth noting a few days after Raila raised this matter
he was invited by EACC to record a statement but declined to do so and instead
dared the officials to arrest him. “I have been to Kamiti Maximum Prison for
more than 100 times. Those giving you the orders to summon me have never been
there. I am ready to go back to the Prison.” In light of this, how does Raila
expect Kenyans to trust him that Eurobond money was not accounted for?
Indeed contrary to his claims, the Treasury and Central Bank
took time to explain to him and the country how the funds raised through the
floating of Eurobond in Europe were being utilized. In paid-up-advertisements,
the Treasury listed ministries that had received the money.
Notably, one would not need to belabor the point why Raila
would revisit these allegations. Being one of his key political cards, he
unleashes them when it is convenient for him to attack the government.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga,
****
Many will concur with me that cartels have dominated almost
all sectors of the economy. These cartels are known to apply unorthodox means
to pursue their selfish interests. To tame corruption the Government must put
in place stringent measures to ensure service delivery is not compromised,
follow the laid down procedures and execute functions within a given timeline.
One way of achieving this is by establishing oversight
bodies for all public institutions to ensure procedures are followed before any
transactions of major financial implication to the economy are are approved.
Setting up commissions of inquiry to investigate misdeeds
that have already been committed is a waste of public funds as the culprits are
never brought to book.
It is not yet too late to curb corruption in our economy if
only the concerned players are willing to root out the vice without engaging in
side shows and unnecessary accusations.
Joseph Gichuki, Nakuru
*****
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A time has come for Kenyans to rise up and say no to corruption,
and the Head of State must inspire this spirit to the end.
One thing that is impractical in our country today is
attempting to fight graft democratically. Like President Magufuli of Tanzania,
President Kenyatta must take decisive actions to uproot this vice from our
society.
Being the Head of State with constitutional powers he has
nothing to lose if he opted to fight corruption cartels, their profile in
society notwithstanding.
Masolo Mabonga