President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the government remains committed to strengthening government institutions and stamping out corruption. Speaking at Nyayo Stadium during the 55th Jmahuri Day fete, President Kenyatta said through the investigative agencies and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, individuals who may have thought they are above the law are now facing the full force of the law. The war on graft has been on the spotlight in recent months, with high profile arrests made and parastatal officials arraigned in court. However, he noted that Kenyans aren’t encouraged by some processes in the judicial corridors, and urged the judiciary to ensure its procedures aren’t used to protect impunity, “Kenyans’ spirits are dampened when we witness suspects released on ridiculously low bail terms, interference in legislative processes and the use of the court processes to delay justice,” he said.
He added that all arms of government must work together to end corruption. The Head of State also sent a stern warning to corrupt government officials, saying they can run but they can’t hide, “We’ll catch up with you and make you pay dearly for every coin you’ve stolen from Kenyans,” he stated. He urged all Kenyans to play their role in the war on graft, “Nobody entrusted to hold public office has a right to demand a bribe from you or to squander what you have all earned hard from the sweat of your brow. I have shown you my unshakeable resolve in this matter now I need all of you to join hands together with me to make this a reality,” he said. He directed Kenyans to report corruption cases to the local DCI and EACC offices, or to the media and civil society in order to unmask perpetrators.
Addressing thousands of Kenyans who had attended the function, the President also highlighted steps taken by Kenya in its development growth in the fields of transport, health, education, since independence to the present time, saying the economic and development plans set up by the first generation, independence Kenyans enabled Kenya to develop the biggest and diverse economy and East and Central Africa. However, he noted that countries that were no the same level as Kenya in the 1960s are a step ahead when it comes to prosperity, especially in Asia acknowledging there tough vigilance against misuse of public resources. The President said in order to achieve the nation’s targets, it’s vital for leaders to work together, and cited the decision by former Premier Raila Odinga and other leaders to work together with the government in its agenda, “We are grateful to them and we shall work together for this nation,” he said.