No small, big fish in fight against corruption President Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that no one will be spared in the fight against corruption.

Speaking when he officially opened the United Nation Global Compact’s 17th Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting and International Anti-Corruption Conference at a Nairobi Hotel on Tuesday, the president called on Kenyans to join the government in ending graft and relevant anti-graft agencies are equal to the task.

“From the EACC, to the DPP; from the DCI to the Assets Recovery Agency and Financial Reporting Centre, our anti-corruption institutions have shown unprecedented unity of action without any compromise of their constitutional independence,” he said.

“More than 350 cases are in progress – and many relate to some of the highest-ranking members of Government.  This is a war against corruption, not against the small fish.”

He said the government has been in consultation with the private sector combating graft with some of the suggestions made during their past meeting already implemented.

“Since we went to war with corruption, my government has consulted widely with the private sector.  We have heard your concerns.  We have taken your advice,” said the president.

“Indeed, we have taken on the draft Bribery Bill you suggested.  It is now at the Attorney-General’s office, being prepared to be tabled before Parliament.”

President Kenyatta welcomed the new code of conduct signed by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) saying the government is adopting the same as part of its regulations under our procurement law.

He called on the sector to ensure that international partners adhere to the set code of conduct to prevent tax evasion and avoidance.

The Head of State further called on Kenyan to trust the government in ending graft and support it in its endeavours.

“We pay taxes so that our disciplined services can keep us all safe.  We pay taxes so every mother in Kenya can receive the care she needs in her hour of need.  But when exam papers leak, the hard work of our children is mocked.”

“When drugs are not delivered, we know that a Kenyan will suffer in her hour of need.  And if a radicalized young man can bribe his way cross our borders, then we have reason to fear.  If these habits continue, they will destroy all trust between Kenyans, and between them and their government.”

He said that corruption has to end and pave way for a positive attitude among Kenyans, while calling on businesses to tame graft saying doing the contrary is tantamount to weakening the government.

Several government officials, including cabinet secretaries and permanent secretaries, have so far been arraigned in court over graft following investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) though none has been charged and orders from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

So far six cabinet secretaries have been adversely mentioned in graft since the Jubilee government came to power in 2013. Of the six, five cabinet secretaries were suspended and later dismissed with former Devolution CS Anne Waiguru the only one to resign.