ption does not begin and end with embezzlement of public resources. Rather, corruption encompasses all malpractice, all the devious and immoral, cruel, and completely unacceptable actions that are taken in self-interest. Corruption includes dishonesty, discrimination, delinquency and a laidback attitude in the course of managing public office. Corruption has reached such levels that it threatens to write off the future of Kenya. It has bred such disorder in our society that rules are disregarded and national wealth squandered at will.
Corruption begins at the top of Government and prompts similar tendencies at the lower levels of both private and public life. Indeed, those steeped in corruption find comfort under the protective wings and in the arms of their seniors – those, ironically, elected and mandated to safeguard our resources and our welfare.
We must end corruption now if we are to have any future as a country! We must restore the values of honesty, integrity and respect for work if we are to salvage the reputation of our great country and enable others to trust us. It is the only way in which we can ensure that resources are available for efficient utilization of planned projects and programs to benefit all of us. We have seen leaders mouth sweet-sounding words as they declare war against corruption. We have seen the introduction of new anti-corruption institutions and legislation that are undermined in their actions almost as soon as they are formed. Corruption in Kenya shall come to an end the day Kenyans will vote into office a national leadership that is driven by integrity. New laws, new watchdog institutions and harsh talk will have little impact. I repeat, the problem is simply and squarely leadership and poor governance.
Unity and Being Kenyan
We live together under one flag. We are beholden together with one National Anthem. Both are powerful symbols of our nationhood. The Kenyan people know they are one people and why not - good and the bad events and news affect us equally? Our independence borders assigned us a new collective identity that is both overarching and overriding – being Kenyan.
Kenyans have upheld and nurtured their nationhood, while conservative – indeed reactionary – ethnic and regional jingoists and patriarchs have worked extra hours to undermine that national character. Members of the political have constantly attempted to highlight ethnic differences and desperately introduce ethnic numerals in an otherwise national equation. We must do all it takes to secure our nationhood and this must be reflected in every action and fibre of our country from the way we distribute national resources and make appointments to public office, the way we couch our speeches and utterances through to the way we the way we campaign for votes and elect leaders.
Nationhood is not only defined in terms of ethnicity and ethnic consciousness. Neither is it defined by absence of the feeling of ethnicity. It is defined by the many lines of diversity present within a society. Our diversity is based on ethnic and racial affiliation but it is also based on gender, religion and economic status. Kenyan nationalism is about all of us, men and women, the rich and the poor, the youth and elders, children, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and all other believers and people of many hues. Regardless of which category we belong to we must each know and feel that we belong to the Kenyan nation with equal rights and opportunities. Only then will we be empowered to be the very best Kenyan we can be and give back fully to our country.
