PLO says corrupt leaders should not vie for seats

BY Steve Mkawale

Leaders facing corruption charges and those convicted of graft should not contest in the General Election.

Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) director PLO Lumumba said on Tuesday in Nairobi that those seeking public offices must be leadersn of integrity.

Quoting the former Tanzania President the late Julius Nyerere, Prof Lumumba said: "Public offices are ‘holy places’ and those who want leadership must be ‘holy’."

He said public offices must be respected and those seeking to represent Kenyans either in Parliament or county assemblies must be people of integrity.

Launch initiative

Lumumba announced the commission would soon launch what he termed as ‘Operation Maliza Ufisadi,’ an initiative that would involve the public and the private sectors.

"Corruption must be fought everywhere and that is why I have formed a coalition with organisations to reverse the trend not only in the public sector, but also in Non-Governmental Organisations and other institutions," said Lumumba.

He was speaking at the offices of the National Council of Non-Governmental Organisations during a visit to familiarise himself with its operations.

NGO Council chairman Ken Wafula and Chief Executive Officer Kevinnah Loyatum received him.

Lumumba warned if the war against corruption fails, then the country may not achieve Vision 2030.

Cleaning public office

"This fight must be won. And to win it we must start with cleaning the public offices by ensuring that the leaders we elect are corruption free," said Lumumba.

The commission is prosecuting suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto and former Industrialisation Minister Henry Kosgey among other high profile cases.

Wafula said the organisation was ready to collaborate with the commission in the fight against graft.

"We know of some NGOs who have received substantial amounts of money to assist the people, but the money has been used o enrich individuals," said Wafula.

He said the council was ready to assist the commission in the fight against graft especially in counties.

"A lot of leaders with dark pasts are eyeing various seats at the county level and we will ensure that only ‘clean’ individuals are elected to fill the posts," said Wafula.