This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
Published on October 28, 2019, by KALTUM GUYO, a Nation author.
Kenya's sovereignty is threatened not by foreign diplomats, but by the actions of its own leaders. The recent rendition of the Akasha brothers to the United States, despite extradition proceedings being incomplete, is a case in point.
MP Otiende Amollo's criticism of American Ambassador Kyle McCarter's call to bar corrupt senior public officials from traveling to the US is misplaced. What we should be angry about is the administration that allowed the rendition to occur.
The application for extradition had not been fully concluded when the brothers were rendered to the US. This raises questions about the integrity of Kenya's institutions and the rule of law.
Many African leaders suffer from an innate sense of insecurity, preferring to seek medical treatment abroad and shop for designer items. This not only undermines their country's sovereignty but also props up the economy of another nation.
Chairman Mao's dedication to his vision for China is a stark contrast to the actions of many African leaders. Would an African leader be willing to sacrifice their own interests for the public good?
Ensuring the integrity of institutions, such as the Judiciary, is crucial to cementing sovereignty. The rendering of the Akasha brothers would not have occurred had Kenya stayed on the legal course and dealt with serious crimes effectively.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to decline the gazetting of 41 judges, citing adverse reports, highlights the need for the Judicial Service Commission to raise the integrity bar within the Judiciary.
It is ironic that we demand respect for our sovereignty while asking for help to build our justice institutions from the same people we attack.
