Sen. James Orengo emphasized that combating corruption requires more than prosecutions, advocating for public accountability through naming individuals involved in graft. The Senate Minority Leader made the remarks during the Sixth Annual Devolution Conference at Kirinyaga University, urging Kenyans to overcome fear in exposing corrupt actors.
Orengo highlighted that nations successful in anti-graft efforts have prioritized transparency, noting examples like U.S. President Donald Trump facing House investigations and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under legal scrutiny. He argued that even high-ranking officials must be held accountable to reinforce the principle that no one is above the law.
The senator referenced President Uhuru Kenyatta's approach when his brother was implicated in a sugar import scandal, stating the leader instructed his sibling to face consequences if guilty. Orengo called on all leaders, including himself, to embrace accountability without fear.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen cautioned against politicizing anti-graft efforts, warning that reliance on political will could undermine institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). He stressed the need for independent judicial processes free from political interference.
