Give EACC, DPP more powers to fight graft

In as much as Jubilee administration is making concerted efforts to prosecute top officials linked to corruption, the reality is that the entire exercise is being frustrated.

The three arms of Government – Executive, Parliament and Judiciary – that are supposed to protect the interests of the mwananchi are themselves  involved in the vice.

Even the Opposition is using corruption exposé to gain political mileage. CORD leader Raila Odinga has in some cases accused Deputy President William Ruto based on unfounded allegations.

After United States Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said his government had blacklist graft leaders in the country, Kenyan leaders from the political divide termed the move as “unhelpful”.

The US is not alone. Prior to the arrival of the Pope to Kenya, EU, Japan, and Canada had warned of all kinds of sanctions against high-ranking citizens implicated in the graft. However, diplomatic analysts say that America and its allies have to protect their interests.

Kenyans should learn to fight their own graft rather than wait for foreigners to intervene. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and Director of Public Prosecutions should be given more powers and funds to slay the corruption problem.