Death penalty for corruption will not end the heinous crime

Corruption is set to become punishable by death if the National Assembly passes the proposed amendment to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

This motion of amendment filed by Kiharu MP Irungu Kang'ata seeking to make economic crimes where the public loses in excess of one billion shillings a capital offense is a classic example of putting the cart before the horse.

I fully appreciate the seriousness of economic crimes and the effect they have on the future of our children and our children's children.

I am in full agreement with the honorable member's reasons for filing the notice of amendment including the need for sentences proportionate to the loss occasioned to the public and to provide for a greater deterrence for such white collar crimes. That said, I am in disagreement as to how this will be achieved.