Saturday, February 25, 2006

The Wrong way to Tackle Corruption in Kenya

The move by Raila Odinga to bar the government from implementing the dreaded Ndung'u Report on land grabbing deserves condemnation by all Kenyans who are driven by a desire to see the anti-graft war gather steam. It's sad that Raila, hitherto perceived by many of us as an astute crusader for the rights of the down-cast is going down the same road as the 'Mafia'. It should be recalled that the said report has not been released by government although this is not to insinuate that the contents are that well secured. At least the public, and potential victims, are privy one way or another to the deliberations and contents of the report. Obviously, anybody who suspected that they had reason to fret must have had feelers sent into the committtee.

However, to run to court and block a recommendation is preposterous, pre-emptive and defeatist if not cowardly. By moving to court, Raila has denied the antigraft crusade the face of one fearless figurehead. No doubt from here the war is no longer a genuine desire at reparation but it will be justified as political and Raila's win in court should send a chill down his political spine (if he has one!). Surpringly just like Biwott before them, who went to court to sanitise his name, the present rulers are falling over each other in rushing to court to frustrate Kenyan efforts at recovering our pilfered wealth. I wonder what Raila will say hereafter about the Anglo-Leasing suspects. No amount of explanation will wash and he should know that a win in court is a lose in the court of public opinion. And as somebody said,"he who undermines public opinion will be undermined by public opinion". I am at a lose as to which one he prefers since he cannot have both "you cannot eat your cake and have it!".


No comments:

Search Nandi Kaburwo