This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
Corruption remains the single greatest threat to the nation, with billions stolen from the State and diverted to personal interests.
For years, the country has been plagued by theatrics where high-profile suspects are arrested, forced to step down, or arraigned, but cases are never prosecuted to the logical end.
However, Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Juma has set a precedent with her historic ruling, committing Sirisia MP John Waluke and businesswoman Grace Wakhungu to either 39 years imprisonment or a fine totalling Sh.2 billion for defrauding the National Cereals and Produce Board.
The ruling is significant because it serves to deter fraudsters from attempting to steal from the State, and the penalties are severe enough to make corruption painful.
Moreover, the case has been determined within two years, a record of sorts, as ordinarily, they take inordinately longer.
It has now been established that the law, as it exists today, has weight, and it is not for lack of law but failure to apply it that many suits collapse.
The Judiciary has signalled a new resolve in the fight against corruption, and we believe this judgement should motivate the police, the DCI, EACC, and other arms to up the war, including cases involving the 'big fish'.
Seasoned graft networks have been jolted, and it is time for everyone guilty of stealing public funds, irrespective of their political, cultural, religious, and economic status, to carry their own cross.
