THE TRUTH SHALL SET US FREE: DEBUNKING 5 MAINSTREAM LIES

By Mtumishi Cyprian Nyamwamu

“ _No one is going to give you the education you need to overthrow them. Nobody is going to teach you your true history and your true heroes because they know that knowledge will help set you free._ ”
~ Assata Shakur~

1. That anyone who demands that ODM and NASA MPs hold the Jubilee government accountable is asking Raila to oppose the Jubilee Government. Not true! Raila is not a Member of Parliament. However, We pay MPs a salary, ALL MPs even Jubilee MPs, to carry out oversight and provide checks and balances for the executive and Judiciary. We don't pay Raila to do this. Raila's let down is worse. Raila is a Co-President with Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto. He has joined the other side.

2. That Raila is not the only one who should oppose govt. That those who are not happy with Uhuru, Ruto and Raila's policies as citizens can now also form parties oppose govt and take over from Raila. This is a foolish one. 

Let them then call for a fresh election. Then all NASA MPs should resign so that individuals who are capable and willing to oppose Jubilee's and Raila's cynical policies come back to Senate and NA as MPs. Omtatah as Senator of Busia instead of Amos Wako, Cyprian Nyamwamu as Senator of Kisii instead of Sam Ongeri, Boniface Mwangi for Starehe, etc. We have a full list for all 290 constituencies and 47 counties. 

You are seated in Parliament earning as MP rubber stamping poison to kill all of us meanwhile mocking us to oppose govt. We never stopped opposing, it's MPs who have sold our country and children to Uhuruto and China.

3. Ruto is the most corrupt man in Kenya. Then why has he not been jailed? Because Uhuru is the God Father of Deep Corruption. He can not jail Ruto because he will follow him. Rigging elections is the worst strain of Corruption. True? Ruto is very corrupt but he is licensed by the big man.

4. That the Handshake is for Kenya's good; for uniting Kenya. No. It is for aiding Uhuru and Raila's enrichment through VAT on fuel 8%, Housing Levy, etc; and to help Uhuru-Raila-Gideon Moi 2022 power formulae. Uhuru may come back as executive PM.

There is no official war against corruption in Kenya. We all know this. KTM Redvests, a citizens led initiative with the religious led National Dialogue Conference effort are
the only citizens efforts against corruption. Raila Governors are the doyens of corruption in Kenya. What Uhuru is doing is that he has weaponized the anti-corruption rhetoric to weaken Ruto's Tanga Tanga menace. That I like. 

But we are not fooled that it is corruption that is being fought. Ruto should not complain because he helped the Mt K mafia to demonize Raila hence facilitate the rigging of elections. It's his time to ingest a dose of his own medicine. But he is not the most corrupt man. He is arrogant, blatant, vindictive and bitter. Not wise at all that Dr. Kamwerer.

The current hard tackling is good for uniting Kenyans with the intention of liberating Kenya in an effort to wipe all of them including Raila out of the dealership. Remember these are Dealers, not Leaders. Kenya Tuitakayo is doing a great job initiating the revolution. That Bunge should be the first to be retired for refusing to represent our people.

5. The Fifth lie goes as follows: that those who voted for Uhuru should not complain. Just eat your tomatoes in silence. Also, leave Baba to eat in silence. What a sick lie! First of all, what is Baba eating in silence? Uhuru is not in the office because he was given an electoral mandate. No. Only 20% voted on October 26. Uhuru is in office because of the Handshake. 

Let it sink. I voted for RAO three times, 2007,2013, 2017 August. We have argued that RAO was rigged out in all those three elections by the Electoral Commission and deep State. So RAO supporters better make up their mind on which narrative to narrate. Did Uhuru win elections through Kumira Kumira votes, or he rigged and begged Raila for a second term in exchange for a deep State endorsement for RAO as President in 2022? Did the Police disrupt the RAO Uhuru Park Swearing-in? How come?

Raila shook hands to stop the killings of his supporters by the State in 2007, however, in the 2018 Handshake, RAO made a 2022 deal with Uhuru. To give him a second term so that Raila finally becomes President with the Deep State's/Uhuru's support as Uhuru becomes PM Putin style. Hence the BBI and their proposed constitutional reforms. 

Raila is a Co-President with Uhuru and Ruto. He is part of our Kenyan problem. He is launching Huduma Namba, forcing his party MPs to tax us 8% VAT on oil products not refined in Kenya, etc. Raila is in power in Kenya. 

If you don't know that Baba is a Co-President you are ignorant. Uhurus impunity in Kenya is founded on Raila's endorsement and the Handshake which gave Uhuruto a second term. Without the Handshake, Uhuru will not be President in Kenya. Secession, economic collapse everything which he couldn't rig had made it impossible for Uhuru to govern. Kumira kumira voters don't come out to vote for Uhuru but against Raila. That is why there was no turn out on October 26, 2017.

#KenyaTuitakayoMovement/#RedVestsProtests & #BeyondZEROCorruptionis uniting all Kenyans to reject what is not for Kenya and stand up for what is for Kenya.

  

Has Raila been outfoxed by The Handshake?

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

There is no doubt that the Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga has created a conducive atmosphere for business to thrive in the country and thawed animosity between NASA and Jubilee supporters. Besides, it has taught us that  political leaders who harbour critical differences can find a common ground to work towards the collective good.

But some fundamental questions, however, remain:  Are we better off today than we were before the Handshake? Will the Handshake bear fruit to spur the country’s social, political and economic future through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI)?

Quit Handshake?

When Raila’s brother Dr. Oburu urged him last week to withdraw from the Handshake, it provided the impetus to two sides of the political isle - Jubilee and NASA who have been ambivalent about the pact.

According to many African traditions, when one’s elder brother speaks, it is weighty! Oburu pointed out that corruption which has spiraled in the Jubilee government is the reason why his brother should quit to avoid soiling his political legacy.  

Many Kenyans are frustrated with the looting going on in the current government today. If the looting continues unabated, the country will be an empty shell by 2022.

Those who agree with Dr. Oburu contend that Raila’s legacy will be completely ruined if the war he supports against corruption flops.

A good number of Raila’s supporters think the Handshake has given the president leeway to make unilateral decisions with less criticism. In the recent announcement by President Kenyatta that the government has allocated land to Uganda in Naivasha to construct a dry port, nobody knows the actual cost of the land, who will construct the Port, and the original owner of the land, and whether due diligence was followed before striking the deal with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

The critical role of an informed and empowered citizenry is to critique the decisions made by leaders because such decisions will affect the present and future generations. Many supporters of Raila in the country are doubting Thomases about the Handshake. As an ardent supporter of Raila for 15 years, I see the Handshake as a conduit for the Jubilee regime to perpetuate its blunders.

Hopelessness

The degree of hopelessness by NASA supporters before the handshake was high. Many hoped the call by the Coalition to boycott products would paralyze operations and bring change. The establishment of the People’s Assemblies raised hopes higher. Others desperately discussed Secession.

Many Kenyans fear Raila might be betrayed again. They remember that Raila is one of the most betrayed politicians in the country. His MOUs have been trashed by past leaders he trusted. Will the president use the Handshake as a bait to soften the Opposition and give his deputy William Ruto a smooth landing in 2022?

Past electoral injustices had made Raila the biggest casualty, with three victories stolen. Raila’s supporters, therefore, have a legitimate right to question why the Independent Electoral and Boundaries (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati is still in office if indeed the Handshake was arrived at to address electoral malpractices.

Ironically, the electoral body is still intact. One wonders why the quest for a new IEBC team has decapitated.

Compensation

Raila supporters wonder if the Handshake with President Kenyatta considered compensation for the NASA supporters who were maimed, tortured and killed in the pursuit of justice.

Kenyans remember Musando, Master Mutua, Baby Pendo and many patriots who paid the ultimate price for a better Kenya. The families of the deceased deserve restitutive justice so that they can move on like other Kenyans. 

Failing to compensate the families of the victims just like what happened to some of the victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, will be tragic for Raila’s political legacy and the ultimate goal of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

The Handshake has created some confusion in Parliament and Senate. The role of the opposition in our legislative chambers is completely diluted, killing the spirit of multiparty democracy. We need dissent, a watchdog to check the excesses of the Executive.

It’s sad that all NASA leaders- Honourables Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, and Moses Wetangula act like they are part and parcel of the Jubilee government.

Inclusivity

Finally, President Kenyatta who holds the steering wheel of the handshake should tell Kenyans why he has failed to nurture inclusivity in his government. This is a fundamental issue that is currently bedeviling the country. Kenyans thought that after the Handshake, they will see radical surgery in government.

Kenyans expected the President, in the spirit of the Handshake, to bring on board technocrats like Dr. David Ndii, John Githongo, Dr. Julius Kipngetich, etc. to fix the weak structures in government irrespective of their political persuasions.

If the composition of the Jubilee government comprises mainly of two communities, why would Uhuru and Raila talk about inclusivity? Leaders must walk the talk and talk the walk.

Adding insult to injury, some Cabinet Secretaries whose names have featured prominently in the corruption list are still in office when the major purpose of the Handshake was to tackle graft.

The buck stops with President Kenyatta as Kenya’s Chief Executive. To Raila, if the Handshake purpose is derailed, heed your brother’s call and pull out to safeguard your political legacy for Kenya and beyond.

Nyaringo is the president of Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby group

DIASPORA LOBBY GROUP CALLS FOR MASS DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST CORRUPTION

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

The Kenya Patriotic movement (KEPAM), a Diaspora lobby group that brings Kenyans at home and abroad in the quest for good governance and social justice is planning demonstrations in all parts of the country to decry the numerous corruption scandals currently bedeviling the country.

The demonstration dubbed “REDEEM KENYA DEMO” will be held on 30th March 2019.

“We can’t sit and watch as our Country continues to be mutilated by known thieves.” Says Joseph Lister Nyaringo the coordinator of the initiative who is also the President of the Kenya Patriotic Movement.

“Kenya is not a sole Proprietorship but a nation of 45 million who claim its shareholding.” Said Maurice Odhiambo, who is organizing the demo in Western Kenya.

The Redeem Kenya Demo will not spare any leader or CEO who have been adversely mentioned by relevant agencies of being involved in graft. Kenyans from all walks of life at home and abroad through the Redeem Kenya Demo are prepared to eject the looters from office.

After all, it’s the taxpayers’ money that affords them the luxury in those offices.

If you are an MP, Senator, Governor, Judicial officer and you’ve been adversely mentioned of abetting corruption let them be prepared to see the wrath of wananchi through the revolution that’s coming.

Nobody will be spared the wrath of Kenyans; not even President Uhuru Kenyatta, or his deputy William Ruto!

The patience of Kenyans has evaporated and reached a saturation point.

The lobby group will pursue all legal avenues to recover grabbed public properties and funds stashed in offshore accounts by the corrupt.

Meanwhile, KEPAM is appealing to Kenya’s development partners especially the USA, UK, and EU nations to come to the Country’s rescue in the fight against graft.

Robert Ndede an official of KEPAM in New York wonder why the US government has not implemented tough sanctions including the freezing of offshore accounts, blocking international criminal deals and travel bans on Kenyan government officials implicated in looting.

“Our country cannot continue celebrating the men and women who loot with impunity and after every 5 years, they use the loot to lure voters to elect them.” Said Dr. Tom Mogondo Kansa City, Missouri.

“Kenyans at home and abroad are now in one accord… The poor, students, farmers, touts, the jobless, etc are the majority while the looters are the minority.” “We have the capacity to defeat this minority so that we can restore our nation and put it on the right hands.” Said Ali Ali from Britain.

KEPAM appeals to Kenyans from all parts of the Country who believes in social justice, fairness, equity and equality to come out in large numbers so that together, we can send the looters home under the Redeem Kenya Demo.

Restoring Kenya will need the sacrifices of Kenyans in global North, South, East, and West.

PRESIDENT KENYATTA SHOULD TALK LESS AND ACT MORE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GRAFT!

PRESS RELEASE

Kenya Patriotic Movement (KEPAM) and Free Kenya, would like to make the following statement as pertains to the fight against corruption in the country:   

1.      The fight against graft requires a united government. Whereas the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, is at the frontline, his deputy is consistently opposing him. A case in point is where the President echoed the efforts being made by the DPP and the DCI but the deputy and his henchmen went ahead to point fingers at the two constitutional office holders. This is a threat to officers who are out to do their job. How can a disjointed government address a monster like corruption which has ruined our country?

2.      We call upon President Uhuru Kenyatta to talk less and act more. “eloquence without action is just hot air.” Uhuru should fire all government officers and members of the cabinet whose names have been adversely mentioned in corrupt dealings! What the hell is CS Rotich, Rugut, Kiunjuri and even Wamalwa doing in office?

3.      We have given the President exactly 30 days from today to fire all officers who have been mentioned in graft dealings. Failure to which, on labour day May 2019, wananchi will storm in the offices of the alleged looters and eject them from office. We need action… It will be a labour day gift for Kenyans. Mark this day!  “We are the majority while the looters are the minority. “We have the capacity to defeat this minority so that we can restore our nation and put it on the right track.”

4.      As a movement, we are making a database of all elected leaders who are for and against the fight against graft beginning from MCAs, MPs, Senators, and Governors. Those who are not supporting the fight against graft will be marked as the ENEMIES OF KENYANS. We shall visit their constituencies and tell voters that they don’t deserve to hold office in modern-day Kenya. They must remember that 2022 is NOT far.

5.      We call upon all Kenyans to know that the fight against corruption is now their responsibility. This is just the beginning. The Kenya patriotic movement and other civil society groups will continue organizing similar Redeem Kenya demonstrations throughout the country until the looters are out of office, are prosecuted, jailed and surrender all they stole. If you took the children’s playground, looted cash & stashed in offshore accounts, be prepared to do the needful- Return the cash and surrender the land!

6.      We appeal to Kenya’s development partners especially the EU and the United States to take a keen eye on the Jubilee government before they commit to funding any of its projects. It’s evident that most of the funds given end up in the politicians’ pockets and does not help the citizens.

Signed by officials of Kenya Patriotic Movement and Free Kenya:                                  

1) Robert Ndede

2) Lister Nyaringo

3) Nicholas Oyoo

4) Oketch Kenneth

5) Julius Kamau

6) Mulialia Okumu

7) Victor Sijenyi

8) Kiduna Vincent

9) William Mboga

10)Frank J Cord

ReplyForward

Demonstrations against corruption is the only viable option

By
Joseph Lister Nyaringo and
Owino Ndede

Kenya’s civil society, the Church and political activists successfully mobilized peaceful protests to end the notorious KANU regime through the repeal of section (2a) of the Nyayo constitution.

While such mass protests created enough pressure to change the trajectory of  Kenya’s politics by compelling retired President Moi to allow the repeal of the previous constitution, one wonders if the same can be applied to redeem the country from corruption!

According to a survey on social media groups, subscribers in Kenya and in the diaspora do agree that peaceful mass action nationwide is the only remaining option for the country to redeem itself from corruption. The survey shows that 92% of Kenyans in Europe, 91.4% in the USA and 91.5% in the homeland support mass mobilization to compel the government to act firmly on the war against the menace of corruption.

The working partnership between opposition figures and the government has been credited nurturing political calm in the country. It's however ironical, that the post-handshake period has seen corruption hit a crescendo!

One wonders if the looters may have gotten motivated to loot more after the thawing of political animosity between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Surprisingly, senior government officials have opposed President Kenyatta’s anti-corruption moves and publicly criticized two government institutions -(DCI) and the DPP who are investigating corruption. 

Deputy President William Ruto has openly politicized the anti-corruption crusade by equating it to succession politics of 2022. Anti-corruption initiatives can only work if the President and his deputy are united. A disjointed
government cannot achieve anything tangible for the country.

Raila Odinga, has also found himself in a precarious situation as the NASA leader. Working with the government to unite the once divided country, he sometimes gets in a state of quandary especially when directing his war on the graft perpetrated by senior government officials.

Kenyans cannot remain in a queer street when the country is being mutilated… We can’t leave the anti-corruption war on the opposition or few government officials.

We’ve to seize the moment as a people take charge through peaceful mass action. Perhaps this is the only language the corrupt will understand. Our country is sinking.

It's only in Kenya where you can get your driving license before joining a driving school. You can have your death certificate even before you die. In fact, you can comfortably attend a graduation ceremony in a graduation gown and be awarded a degree without attending a single lecture.

It can be remembered that no single corruption case involving high profile individual has been prosecuted to the end in Kenya.  From the infamous Goldenberg, Anglo-leasing to the current Kerio Valley Super Dams, Kenyans doesn’t see hope in the fight against corruption.

Our country is ripe for mass action and if the same will be sustained into a social movement to catapult a revolution for political change, it will be the best news for Kenyan and indeed a game changer.

Corruption is the central issue that has generated the impetus for Kenyans at home and abroad to organize mass action and to mobilize Kenyans in various forms of social, economic, and political participation.

Kenyans in the diaspora through Kenya Patriotic Movement have coined the “redeem Kenya clarion” to organize for protests throughout the country. 

The chairman of the diaspora lobby, Kenya Patriotic movement says President Kenyatta only talks too much but doesn’t act. Mr. Joseph Lister Nyaringo observes that “eloquence without action is just hot air.” The President should fire all government officers and members of the cabinet whose names have been adversely mentioned in corrupt dealings.”

Mr. Owino Ndede, from New York, observes that the diaspora is prepared to educate Kenyans on the ills of corruption. “We shall create a platform for the people to engage proponents of corruption with the ultimate aim of eradicating the vice completely from our society.” Says Ndede in a phone interview.

Kenyans should know that the corruption war is their responsibility because the ruling elites have failed to contain the vice. As the majority, we have the capacity to stage demos throughout the country until the looters surrender, are prosecuted, jailed or gives up all they’ve looted.

The so-called elite does not grow their food, make their clothes or build their houses. They cannot live without the people, and yet they abuse the same people by pocketing the money they pay as taxes. Ironically, people can live without the elite. And, it is high time the elite served the people! 

Mass action remains the only potent weapon to compel the looters to leave office or scale down their corrupt deals. If we want Kenya free of poverty and other social challenges, we must be prepared to fight corruption.

To succeed, we must stop over depending on political leaders and even government agencies in the corruption war. Often times, government agencies are prone to manipulation and threats from the powers that be. Take for instance the finger-pointing from the deputy President on the offices of the DCI and DPP!

We call upon all Kenyans who hate corruption- government officials, the church, academic institutions, business people, and every living soul to come out and join hands so that together, we fight the monster of corruption because is a national catastrophe.

The authors are officials of the Kenya Patriotic Movement, 
a diaspora lobby group

REFERENDUM DEBATE: Scrap Senate and reduce the number of constituencies to cut government costs

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo

The referendum debate is healthy. However, any suggested restructuring of devolved units and the executive branch of government as suggested by honourable Raila Odinga, must also consider reducing the size of national and county governments.

As a developing country, we need to scale down over-representation to cut the cost of running government.

Kenya has a bloated legislature. There is no logic why a nation of 45 million people should have 358 Members of Parliament and 67 Senators. The current constituencies should be merged if we care about effective utilization of public funds.

The US, which is a superpower has 50 governors representing each of the 50 States in the union with 2 Senators each. The House of Representatives, which is the lower house has 435 members. Looking at the size of the US legislature, one may conclude that we are either naïve as a country or do not care about fiscal responsibility and discipline.

It’s also evident that the duplication of roles at the Counties has ballooned the wage bill and consequently, a toll on the exchequer. The funds that should go for development are utilized for recurrent expenditure hence a slump in development.

It’s only a small fraction of the funds the counties receive from the national government that goes for development. The big junk is spent on salaries and other overhead expenses. This the major reason for slow pace of development in Kenya’s 47 counties.  

The raging debate on the wage bill from the 47 Counties isn’t something that can be wished away when the national economic indicators reflect a downward trend. 

Laws are not carved on stones but formed by humans to be changed, augmented, scrapped or improved to suit prevailing governance systems and processes in any nation.

Radical as it may sound, why should reduce the number of constituencies by fusing small ones. We also need to consider abolishing all nominations slots for MCAs, MPs, Senators, and the position of women representatives.

If we look critically, the Senate doesn’t play any big role in legislation compared to the national assembly. Abolishing it will save the country huge financial resources that can be utilized for development.

Note that, the oversight role that the Senate purports to play on the Counties is well taken care of by the County Assemblies and the national government.

  

Besides, it’s emerging that the Counties; once touted as the pillars of development are proving to be pillars of disunity and clannism especially those split from the larger ethnic groups.  

Raila’s proposal of a three-tier system and the creation of 14 regional blocks in line with the Bomas draft should therefore be debated extensively to arrive at what’s workable and cost effective for the country.

Running the 14 regional blocks as proposed by the former prime Minister, alongside the 47 counties may not be economically viable for taxpayers. Instead, small counties should merge and be reduced to the 14 number of blocks he proposed.

Ironically, this is the year that electoral boundaries are supposed to be reviewed by the IEBC according to the law. Who knows some communities will still press for new constituencies or wards when common sense dictates that it has become hard for the country to sustain the current mapped electoral areas.

There are no defined and clear roles for County commissioners when we have elected Governors who are the CEOs of their respective counties. This has often created conflict of interest between the two offices; thereby hampering service delivery. The office of County commissioners should be abolished.

Excessive bureaucracy is wasteful and a delay in service delivery to

​the general public. This area needs to be investigated both at the national and county levels as the referendum debate gains traction.

We need to look at what is workable or beneficial to the country and not what is politically expedient to the ruling elite. It’s through downsizing unnecessary bureaucracies nationally and at the County levels that Kenya can move forward and consequently develop economically.

There is no doubt, the current constitution is better than the one we had before 2010. However, the crafters failed to adhere to one fundamental aspect: the ramifications of the bloated legislature and its impact on the national economy. A small government is a panacea for Kenya’s economic success.

The current referendum debate has come at the right time. It should also be remembered that it’s the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who hinted during the 2010 referendum campaigns that anomalies in the current constitution can be rectified later. The time is now!

Kenyans once again have a golden opportunity to point out the pros and cons in current constitution to streamline the faulty areas. The document to be arrived at should be in conformity with the country’s fiscal regime.

Antagonists of the referendum debate like Deputy President William Ruto should play it cool this time round. Let him give Kenyans an opportunity to debate how they want to be governed since it’s the essence of democracy. Nevertheless, the referendum is not about Raila, Uhuru or Ruto but the people of Kenya.  

Finally, a stitch in time saves nine. Kenyans have a golden opportunity to chart a new path by striking out flaws in the current constitution. What shall be arrived at must ensure an inclusive, just, fair and equitable society.

Nyaringo is the president of Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby based in the US

Kenya’s economic success lies on fiscal discipline

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo​

In a country with a thriving economy and democracy and where the rule of law is respected through an existing impartial justice system, you are likely to find the existence of a value-driven citizenry where character and ethics are the spinning wheels.

Several factors make nations different from others depending on the way they manage their public affairs. In 2016, Sweden managed its waste (garbage) so well that the country was compelled to have its recycling plants import garbage to keep them running! What a revolutionary and efficient system?

I wonder why our “City in the Sun” cannot borrow what the Swedish are doing differently. I hope the Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko can do something to improve waste management in our State capital.

Something spectacular that we can term as a financial miracle happened in Singapore last month when Finance minister Heng Swee Keat announced a cash bonus of between $ 100 to $300 for citizens aged above 21 years old. This was arrived at because of a budget surplus in the Southeast Asia country.

The positive gesture to the citizens of Singapore by their government can only be possible through fiscal responsibility and discipline… government officials tasked with utilizing tax payer funds do it with great care and accountability.

One wonders who bewitched Kenya. We over depend on foreign which ends up in the pockets of a few.

In Canada early this month, more than 500 doctors in the province of Quebec opposed a salary hike negotiated by a medical union. They did so out of love of country and support for a strong public system. The doctors pointed out that it was immoral to get a pay hike when patients and lower cadre medical practitioners like nurses are not well remunerated.  

This is a rare occurrence and only possible in a country with income equality and effective fiscal management.   

The above examples from Sweden, Singapore and Canada don’t mean that the countries sit on gold mines. It takes better leadership practices, patriotism, commitment to public welfare, transparency and accountability to reach such milestones.

In fact, the three countries aren’t much different from Kenya, since we are blessed with plenty of natural resources and a better climate.

If regular citizens and folks in government can inculcate ethical values, we are likely to have a better society. Note that, without morality in the way we conduct public and private affairs, we are doomed as a country.

We need to remember that its isn’t mean feat for an employee to decline a salary hike. It takes sacrifice and solid principles grounded on patriotism, character and integrity. The decision by the Canadian doctors to decline a revised salary scheme is a rare gesture globally in industrial relations.  

It’s sad that despite having great economists, Kenya is trapped in economic quagmire year in year out.

We have failed to utilize the taxes we collect and the loans we procure from development partners to spur economic development in the country.

Just recently, the Kenya revenue authority stated that it failed to meet its half-year target by KSh20 billion in tax collection.

Is it not prudent then to challenge Mr. John Njiraini, the KRA Commissioner General, to tell Kenyans why the tax body failed to meet its target despite being provided with all the requisite tools to conduct tax collection responsibilities?

Late last year, the Principal Secretary in the National Treasury, Kamau Thugge, openly revealed that hundreds of millions of shillings in payments made through the e-Citizen platform ended up in private bank accounts… What Kenyan tax payers should ask is this: was Mr. Thugge questioned or investigations conducted to divulge the truth on this open theft of public funds?

Just last week, Mr. Henry Rotich, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury openly revealed that the government had difficulties funding its project because of a Kshs84 billion deficit. Obviously, Kenyan taxpayers need an explanation on how the country sunk into this deficit.

Mr. Rotich’s suggestion of slashing Kshs 17 billion which is allocated to counties is likely to impair county operation and therefore jeopardize devolution.

What is even more ironical is that, the Rotich report comes immediately after the discovery of a private bank account purportedly operated by top government officials where public funds where siphoned to.

It’s tragic to wash dirt under the carpet only to begin whining after we get sick because of the dirty! The most critical questions we should all ask ourselves are these: Why are our fiscal plans and responsibilities upside down? 

Why is it that there is too much greed and looting by those tasked to manage tax payers funds?

Its worthy to remember that, what is conceived in the mind defines the decisions we make in life. According to Gautama Buddha, the ancient spiritual teacher of Buddhism, what we think, we become.

A corrupt mind will compel us to be corrupt, while an evil mind will lead us to commit evil. It takes a willing mind to walk away from tribalism, nepotism, violence, molestation, theft, dishonesty and bribery if we think broadly the negative impact the said vices bring to society.

The destiny of our society is pegged on actions, thoughts, habits and the character of every citizen.

Corruption is corruption whether it’s through Anglo Leasing, Goldenberg, stealing your neighbour’s chicken or price gouging by unscrupulous business people. The sum total of it all is corruption, and economic doom for Kenya.

We are thought about moral uprightness in most religions, but this doesn’t seem to transform us. It’s hard to transform unless we are ready to observe, preserve and apply ethical values in our everyday lives. 

It’s only through a value-driven citizenry by members of society and those in power that Kenya can transform.

Individuals tasked with fiscal management of Kenya should be driven by patriotism, honest and integrity.  They must operate under discipline and responsibility which is devoid of greed and thievery. 

This is the surest way that we can be at par with developed nations of Asia, North America and Europe.

​Nyaringo is the 

President of Kenya Patriotic Movement

 a US based diaspora lobby group