This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
As the government continues to grapple with corruption, the public's trust in its commitment to fighting the vice has been eroded. The recent launch of investigations into the suspected loss of Sh38 billion in the Itare Dam in Nakuru County has sparked renewed debate on the government's efforts to combat corruption.
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, who previously oversaw the Water portfolio, are facing investigations over the suspected multibillion-shilling scandal. This comes on the heels of the arrest and arraignment of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko over a Sh357 million corruption case.
While the government's efforts to seize corruption culprits have been commendable, doubts abound over the outcomes. The fact that graft cases never progress, with several top officials being seized and arraigned but none being convicted, has led to scepticism over the government's commitment to ending the vice.
Chief Justice David Maraga has argued that the problem lies with the prosecution, citing hollow corruption cases that lack watertight evidence to force penalties. Political interference has also been cited as a major obstacle in the fight against corruption.
What is critical now is for the DCI, EACC, and Director of Public Prosecution to follow up all pending corruption cases and push for their conclusion. Thorough investigations to secure incontrovertible evidence to sustain a charge and conviction in court are also essential.
