On-going corruption scandals in Kenya have caught the attention of western diplomats to the country who are now calling for decisive action to be taken.
According to the 18 envoys in a statement on Wednesday, graft had undermined Kenya’s prosperity, security, and democracy.
“It is, quite simply, theft from the Kenyan people,” they said.
Kenya is currently struggling to come to terms with the loss of $90 million from the National Youth Service (NYS) to corruption even before the 2015 scandal where $791,000 got lost from the same organization is yet to be solved.
“As friends, we welcome the recent action by the Director of Public Prosecutions, working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, to charge officials and others in connection with reports of widespread corruption at the National Youth Service,” the diplomats said.
“We urge that Kenya’s judiciary take swift action, consistent with the rule of law, to ensure fair trials and justice.”
The diplomats included high commissioners and head of delegation of the European Union, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Ireland, United Kingdom, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Australia, Canada, Poland, Romania and Norway.
They noted that while no country is free of corruption, there are no shortcuts to tackling the problem adding that they are “providing wide-ranging assistance and support” to help Kenyans fight against corruption. They also commended President Uhuru Kenyatta’s statement to address the scourge.
“It requires strong Kenyan political leadership, a commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, and all government and law enforcement agencies working together.
“When there is evidence of corruption, those responsible should be prosecuted regardless of political party, social stature, or personal connections,” said the envoys led by the United States Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec.
According to the diplomats, Kenyans need strong, reliable institutions and systems that reduce the opportunities for corruption, where individuals or organisations found guilty of stealing should forfeit the proceeds of their crimes.
