Murkomen, Orengo differ on how to fight corruption

Senate majority and minority leaders differed sharply over the ongoing war against graft during the opening of the sixth devolution conference yesterday. 

While Minority Leader James Orengo (Siaya) praised the fight against corruption as timely and strategic, to save meagre resources for the Big Four Agenda projects, Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) maintained that the war should not be politicised.

"If Kenyans are waiting for progress to be achieved based on independent, national institutions acting in cue to particular political pronouncements, then we have lost the plot as a nation," said Mr Murkomen.

He urged political players to allow the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Judiciary to work without interference.

Mr Orengo had earlier asked participants to name and shame suspects in the graft war.

"In my opinion, the war against graft will not be won by taking people to court. We will be doing much better by ensuring corruption is noted before it happens," Orengo said.

"I would also urge you not to be afraid once your name is called. Do not be afraid because it is part of the process of fighting corruption."

Orengo claimed grand theft at national level had indicated that more resources should be sent to the counties.

"Perhaps then we would not need to send the investigative arms around to follow the money trail," said Orengo.

The Siaya senator also cited integrity investigations against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as examples that such investigations can be mounted against top national leaders.

In his rejoinder, Murkomen said that the countries Orengo had named had demonstrated that they have strong independent institutions.

Later in a session discussion, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua also delved into the issue, saying the resources wasted at the national level should be given to counties.

"Each county should be given Sh1 billion to launch Universal Health Coverage," said Mutua. "That will be just Sh47 billion," said Mutua.