Corruption is the worst form of abuse and betrayal

Saying corruption in Kenya is a national cancer is an understatement.

Even as we all condemn the vice, we know that, given half a chance, few of us would have any qualms dipping their hands in the cookie jar.

And, it is not just in public service. Sadly, corruption in the private sector is also rife. Indeed, it takes two to tango.

This is the reason why President Uhuru Kenyatta has called the corporate world’s bluff in relation to their role in procurement of goods and services by the public sector.

But these are measures that should have been instituted long time ago.

The bane in the fight against corruption is that it is analysed as a political, rather than a personal or moral vice.

Those accused of corruption have a fighting chance depending on their political correctness.

In civilised societies, however, both public officials and corporate leaders take the first opportunity to resign from office after they are adversely mentioned, whether in their private or public capacities.

These countries have nurtured a culture where nothing can be traded in for personal integrity and trust.

For instance, former chief executive officer and chairman of the German-based Volkswagen Group, Martin Winterkorn, did not wait until the recent scandal facing VW left him with egg on his face.

He resigned soon after the “defeat devices” scam of certain models was unearthed.

MORTIFYING INSTANCES

Rather than gloss over the murk, the carmaker subsequently owned up and promised to make amends.

In Kenya, the script is different. Those faced with glaring evidence of corruption do not leave office without a fair share of drama.

For instance, former Minister for Finance Amos Kimunya resigned over the irregular sale of the Grand Regency Hotel (now Laico Regency) during President Mwai Kibaki’s term.

His refrain, “I would rather die, than resign”, greatly embarrassed Kibaki.

There are many cases like this of former public service or state officers who are now a pale shadow of their former clean personas.

The recent full blown scandal of former Devolution CS Anne Waiguru will also go down in history as a classic case of the haughty stance Kenyans have perfected when faced with storms associated with corruption or abuse of office.

Now, Waiguru — despite affirming her innocence — also lost the perfect opportunity to lead from the front in promoting the “zero-tolerance to corruption” principal hyped by the Government.

Her stubbornness has totally dented, not just her image, but that of the President, something that might have been avoided had she stepped aside when she became embroiled in the National Youth Service (NYS) scandal.

Runaway corruption and other forms of rampant crime thrive in societies where people have lost their vision.

REWARDING LEADERS

It is also an indication of the bankruptcy of ideas and myopia afflicting those immersed in such gross misconduct.

It is instructive that the genuinely focused CSs are untainted and are least bothered by the ongoing side shows.

It is such integrity in public office that saw the appointment of former Trade minister Dr Mukhisa Kituyi as Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Centre for Trade and Development.

Dr Amina Mohamed (Foreign) could be gunning for secretary-general of the UN, while Prof Judi Wakhungu (Environment) could have her eyes set on taking her rightful position at the UN Environment Programme!

At a personal level, it behoves office holders to check their conscience about the ramifications of their actions.

Then we have perfected the brazenness of flaunting ill-gotten wealth by vomiting on the shoes of hapless taxpayers!

Where is the pride in stashing money in foreign bank accounts, constructing high rise buildings and driving expensive cars from the proceeds of theft?