Former President Daniel arap Moi yesterday said corruption has undermined development and eroded public confidence in leaders.
Moi said most leaders have engaged in questionable deals and let the electorate down by failing to focus on development, adding there is need to foster selflessness in leadership and service delivery.
Speaking while officiating a groundbreaking ceremony at African Inland Church (AIC) in Kapsabet, Moi said most leaders have failed in their mandate, a move that has continued to cripple services at both the national and county levels.
“There is need to recheck our responsibility as leaders in order to give service to all. At the moment, it is discouraging because many have abdicated their duties, opting for self gain,” he said.
The former President accused leaders of seeking ‘rewards’ from their responsibility to serve, adding that it was the leading cause of rot in State systems.
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“A corrupt leader is a thief. Servicemanship must not always be rewarded. Leaders must endeavour to at all times value those who put them in power and not their selfish interests,” he added.
The former Head of State also listed a number of works done during his tenure as the President including construction of schools, churches, factories and infrastructure and called on the current regime to set a good example by prioritising development.
“In my time as a youth, I would traverse rough terrain in remote parts of Nandi and other regions to ensure that I empowered the young, a case that our leaders have ignored,” he said.
The former Head of State called on leaders to conduct a self-assessment exercise and embrace positive character change.
Embrace Dialogue
He also challenged locals to maintain peace ahead of the 2017 General Election, adding that the country has made strides in fostering unity among warring communities.
His sentiments come just hours before Kericho County residents head to the ballot to select their next senator in a hotly contested by-election after the seat fell vacant following Charles Keter’s appointment as Energy Cabinet secretary.
Moi urged leaders to set good examples for citizens, further calling on them to embrace dialogue in solving pertinent questions concerning the country and its people.
“Leaders must always set a good example in case of differences. Dialogue is the only solution to ensure that unity and peace prevails in the country,” said the former president.
This also comes at a time when Rift Valley region has been experiencing dissent within the ruling Jubilee alliance pitting Deputy President William Ruto against party ‘rebels’ including Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and Nandi Hills legislator Alfred Keter among others.
