Lobby group urges residents to expose graft in county government

Coalition of Homa Bay Organizations and Governance Oversight (CHOGO) Co-ordinator Edgar Ochweyo was speaking when they marked the Africa Anti-Corruption Day at Kabunde social hall in Homa Bay Town constituency. Homa Bay residents have been told not to fear reporting cases of corruption in the county. [James Omoro, Standard]

Residents of Homa Bay have been urged to report cases of corruption in the county government.

Organisations and Governance Oversight (CHOGO), a lobby group said the residents should not fear to expose such cases.

CHOGO co-ordinator Edgar Ochweyo regretted that many people do not report cases of corruption in the county.

He said many whistleblowers in the county fear for their lives after reporting the cases.

Speaking when they marked the Africa Anti-Corruption Day at Kabunde social hall in Homa Bay town constituency, Ochweyo noted that one of the key steps in enhancing the fight against corruption is the protection of whistleblowers.

The official told residents to embrace newly created platforms for reporting cases of corruption. He assured that the new digital platforms enhance the protection of the whistleblowers.

Some of the platforms include Uajibikaji Pamoja, Action for Transparency, WhatsApp, and a toll-free number.

"We cannot fight corruption effectively if we fail to protect whistleblowers. Let Homa Bay residents use the methods to report corruption cases and they shouldn't fear anymore," Ochweyo said.

He revealed that many people witness corruption when seeking jobs in which academic qualification is given little attention.

"Corruption is also seen as an obstacle in solving land disputes, defilement and rape. Many county governments including Homa Bay are linked to mismanagement of public funds because of corruption," Ochweyo said.

CHOGO is partnering with Transparency International to sensitise residents on the new digital platforms for reporting corruption cases without exposing the whistleblower.

Ochweyo said they are collaborating with various government agencies to ensure corruption cases are investigated and action taken against the perpetrators.

"There should be no sacred cows in fighting corruption menace. Report any corruption case regardless of the stature of the person involved," he said.