HURINET – Human Rights Network Kenya – has issued a press release condemning the Kibaki administration for its handling of the ever clearer indications in recent weeks that the political will to combat corruption comes way short of achieving anything of lasting impact and importance. To regain whatever might be left of credibility, Kibaki must sack everyone suspected to be involved in any of the scandals currently under investigation, recommends HURINET. (9-FEB-05)
  

February 8, 2005

    PRESS STATEMENT

Attn: News Editor

KIBAKI MUST ACT OR WE REACT!

When the British High Commissioner accused the Government of runaway corruption in high places, members of the Kibaki administration, notably the Vice President and several Ministers, came out fighting. They accused the envoy of all sorts of things – arrogance, diplomatic impropriety and even of seeking to protect British commercial interests. 

The resignation of PS John Githongo, the man who almost personified the war against graft and whose continued stay at the helm of the government’s anti- corruption efforts gave it some benefit of doubt, confirms the fears of many Kenyans, including the civil society organizations in Kenya: that the fight against corruption was lost a long time ago. During his tenure at Transparency International- Kenya, Mr. Githongo was known for his unrelenting determination in fighting sleaze. He was never known to budge, not even under the then intolerant KANU rule. The fact of his resignation, therefore, shows that he deemed his continued stay as Governance and Ethics PS vain.

What does this mean?

Corruption thrives where transparency, accountability and the rule of law are absent or are no longer effective as aspects of good governance. Corruption thrives on state arrogance and impunity. Corruption diverts efforts and resources from their intended targets. Corruption leaves people without food, water, roads, medicare, lives and livelihoods. Corruption is one of the surest ways through which almost all the conceivable human rights can be abused with impunity.

Based on the foregoing, the Kenya Human Rights Commission calls upon the President to do the following without further delay:

· Suspend all Ministers and senior government officials adversely mentioned or implicated in the mega-scandals to pave way for independent investigations.
· Conduct thorough investigations into all scandals reported before and during the Kibaki tenure including the Anglo-Leasing scandal, the scandal involving inappropriate tax waivers by the Minister for Finance and others reported by the British envoy, among others;
· Make public all wealth declarations. Specifically, senior government officials such as Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and others must show what they own.
· Conduct an audit into the anti-corruption efforts of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, Rev. Mutava Musyimi- led Committee and all other anti- graft bodies with a view to getting rid of those that are unnecessary baggage to the tax payer.

If the Government fails to do these or wishes it away, as it is fond of, the Kenya Human Rights Commission will not hesitate to take further action against the government in an honest fight against corruption and for better fulfillment of other government obligations.

Cynthia Mugo
Media and Communication Officer