Protect public officials from lynch mob

Being linked to corruption is a big blot on any public official’s career profile and life.

It is like wearing a chain labelled “Don’t touch this One” around one’s neck for the rest of one’s productive life.

Almost certainly, public officials hounded out of office on graft allegations are unlikely to ever return to any serious public office.

This is regardless of the outcome their court cases.

I support the ongoing crackdown on state officials linked to corruption in ministries and parastatals.

President Kenyatta has finally realised that regardless of all the mega projects his government is undertaking, the corruption monster can still devour the Jubilee government’s commendable development record ahead of the 2017 elections.

A strong Cabinet and a corruption free public service are key pillars in driving the government’s flagship service delivery promise.

Some of these officers are, however, being subjected to unfair anti-graft scrutiny.

All they are facing are allegations.

Natural justice deems one innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Imperatively, before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions recommends prosecution of a public official, there has to be prima facie evidence that a crime was committed either by the officer or those under him.

The Judiciary must then dispense with such matters fast.

PROBE DELAYS

Delays have cost some officials their jobs even after being cleared of allegations of corruption and abuse of office, as happened recently to two Cabinet Secretaries.

Others like my constituent, Anne Waiguru, were listed as witnesses, and not suspects, in the scandals that consumed them.

Yet today, these officials have their public standing, integrity, respect and stature tattered beyond repair.

What would happen if courts of law cleared them? The damage is already done.

Even as we seek to break this country from the yoke of destructive corruption, we must protect the rights of state officials.

They have a right to a fair and speedy judicial process.

The Executive must also desist from falling prey to machinations of the opposition and civil society.

Now that the five Cabinet Secretaries have gone, it will only be a matter of time before the scavengers of doom pick another target in President Kenyatta’s inner core.

Jubilee MPs must watch out for this plot.

Once the opposition realises it is capable of chopping down the President’s key pillars, what would make them not salivate for the big man himself?

This style of ‘keeping the government in check’ is only meant to distract service delivery ahead of the polls and seek relevance in a rapidly changing political dispensation.

Positive criticism and better alternative ideas from the opposition can exert pressure on the government to deliver to its citizenry. And this is good for the country.

It should not be easy to toss Cabinet secretaries in and out office on unsubstantiated claims of corruption.

They must be accorded unfettered support so that we can judge their performance on service delivery.