Muslim lobby backs Uhuru's war on corruption

A Muslim rights group supported the President's move to fight graft saying they would help the Government to ensure it was a success.

The group has urged the Government to trace and return all monies lost through corruption and opposed any tax increment.

Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) Organising Secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa (left) is flanked by CIPK's Treasurer Suleiman Hassan while addressing the press on the President's speech on corruption at CIPK Offices in Mombasa County on Tuesday 24th November 2015. CIPK said they support the president's war on corruption which has haunted the country. (PHOTO/ KELVIN KARANI/ STANDARD)

Speaking in Mombasa yesterday, Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Organising Secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa, said corrupt Kenyans are laundering proceeds of crime and distorting the economy.

"We are ready to work with the Government to put an end to this vice that has seen the country going under because of a few individuals stealing," he said.

Sheikh Khalifa said a few individuals could cause the economy's collapse and claimed they were protected by security agents and courts.

"The country's economic growth is daunting and we are trying to recover by imposing high taxes on Kenyans, something which shouldn't be done. The stolen money is enough to ensure the country is stable economically and also ensure the infrastructure is good among other vital services," said Khalifa.

He said punitive action should be taken against culprits in accordance with the Constitution.

On Monday, President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled stringent measures against corruption that he said would make theft of public resources and bribery in procurement expensive and painful for conspirators.

He called upon security agents, courts and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to work jointly.

"We have seen people who commit petty crimes given stiffer penalties while these "barons of corruption" are left to keep on stealing," he said.