Impunity, abuse of office must be dealt with firmly

The disgrace that Nandi Hills Member of Parliament (MP) Alfred Keter and his nominated colleague, Sunjeev Birdi caused themselves by insulting public servants at the Gilgil Weighbridge, is yet another unedifying story of how our politicians misuse their positions.

This action exposes the irresponsibility of the two MPs.

The din might be high now because the episode that was full of insults and intimidation was captured on camera and is still fresh, but is not out of the ordinary because it happens all the time.

Many politicians, including a flamboyant Nairobi leader are known to do the same. To say the least, Mr Keter's action was despicable, but it would be a lie to call it surprising because intimidation and name-dropping is a common phenomenon in both public and private offices.

The expletives the MP used to describe the public officers he found at the weighbridge station are demeaning for someone who claims to be a national leader. There is no excuse for use of such language even when one claims to be fighting corruption.

Mr Keter rose to fame after claiming the company awarded the contract to build the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) had been blacklisted by the World Bank.

He has often spoken against corruption at high levels of Government and even threatened to name some individuals at State House he accused of indulging in the vice.

Leaders are supposed to lead by example, but the legislator's outbursts are symptomatic of a general malaise that seems to have afflicted most leaders in this country. Many people entrusted with leadership have taken this as a licence to throw their weight around and reign supreme over others.

In the clip, the legislator boasts that he makes laws and therefore, can break them. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is impunity that should not be allowed to reign in this country.

Recently, a senator reportedly stormed Mtopanga Police Station demanding the release of his lorry, which had been detained.

A few days ago, some members of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission stormed a police station in Nakuru and released a suspect. These incidents show a general disdain for the rule of law that needs to be curtailed.

By invoking the name of the President and other senior Government officials, Mr Keter might inadvertently have told the public that impunity is an acceptable way of life within Government circles.

President Uhuru Kenyatta did well by stating publicly that he does not condone intimidation of public officers.

While we appreciate this, we would like to urge State House to also rein in politicians and those fond of using the President's name to get away with criminal activities.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has its work cut out. The Gilgil incident must be investigated and punitive action taken against the legislator to discourage such practices in future.

The Government has promised to fight against impunity but there is still little to show for it. You cannot claim to be winning the war against impunity when those propagating the vice are elected leaders.

In developed countries, leaders faced with such unfortunate scenarios are forced to resign. It's unfortunate the MP has not issued an apology, leave alone resigning, but even attempted to justify his actions!

Even though some public officers are notorious for demanding and taking bribes, this was not reported in this instance.

As we say kudos to the officers for diligently doing their job well, we urge for stern action against the MP. We must fight impunity with all the arsenal we have. It should not be given any room to prosper.