Uhuru Kenyatta leads pledges on anti-corruption war
What you need to know:
- He said that all government agencies mandated to battle the vice are cooperating with each other in holding suspects to account.
- Mr Kenyatta called on the Judicial Service Commission to look into loopholes derailing the justice system.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday reassured Kenyans of his commitment to win the war against corruption.
Responding to key issues regarding the anti-corruption fight at Bomas of Kenya, Mr Kenyatta said, for example, no person accused or implicated in corruption will get State appointment until they are cleared.
"Corruption has no stigma nor social consequence...this state of affairs is what we must address. Stolen funds from Kenya are no longer beyond the reach of the Kenyan government," he said.
"The fight against this monster requires all of us to work together with one common accord. All arms of government must work together to eliminate this vice."
INJUNCTIONS
The President expressed his disappointment with the way courts are issuing injunctions in graft cases and those pertaining government infrastructure initiatives.
For instance, he said injunctions enable suspects to tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses.
Therefore, he particularly called on the Judicial Service Commission to look into loopholes derailing the justice system.
Inviting all aboard, Mr Kenyatta urged the private sector tackle corruption more aggressively, and for religious leaders to create social jails to prevent culprits from enjoying their ill-gotten wealth.
"In this war each one of us must decide if they will be a soldier for good or a collaborator of evil," he said.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also challenged citizens to go the extra mile in fighting the vice.
EVIDENCE
But how will the country be victorious? Chief Justice David Maraga, who has been under perpetual attack over his passion, said the war will only be won through the rule of law.
Addressing a list of key demands advanced by the public during the anti-corruption conference, Mr Maraga said suspects will only be convicted based on "concrete evidence".
"We are fighting corruption and we are ready to do our part without fear or favour. If we deal with cases purely on evidence, we will silence those claiming they are being unfairly targeted," he said.
