Religious Leaders Urge Strong Measures Against Corruption.

Clerics have urged President William Ruto to take decisive action against corrupt government officials to restore public confidence in his administration.

On Thursday, the National Council of Spiritual Churches (NCSC) emphasized that addressing corruption is essential for rebuilding trust. NCSC chairman, Cardinal Elijah Onyango, highlighted the rampant corruption in the public service, where some officials display opulence while the country grapples with a high cost of living. This disparity has eroded confidence in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Cardinal Onyango called on the president to swiftly dismiss all officials implicated in corruption to preserve the government’s image and protect public funds. Speaking at Onjiko Mission headquarters in Kisumu, he stressed the need for a thorough purge extending to the cabinet, ensuring that only individuals of integrity serve in public office.

He lamented that government positions are often viewed as opportunities to misappropriate public resources, noting that some officials, with only a few years in service, have amassed questionable wealth. “You find a first-term Member of Parliament (MP) driving a car worth millions of shillings, far beyond their salary. Some governors now own palatial homes worth billions, exceeding their earnings,” he observed.

Cardinal Onyango pointed out that this corruption deprives the government of essential resources needed for development projects. He urged the president to act in accordance with public sentiment and eradicate corruption in the government. “Corruption is killing this country. The cost of living is up because of corruption. The government is increasing taxes every year because of corruption,” he stated.

Addressing the recent Generation Z anti-government protests, Onyango urged the president to heed the concerns raised and take appropriate action to maintain peace in the country. The clerics also criticized the police’s handling of protestors and called for the removal of the Inspector General of Police, holding him accountable for the loss of young lives during the protests.