The Catholic Church in Kenya has strongly backed government efforts in the fight against corruption, which has been threatening to cripple the economy and development.
Over the past months, the government has been accelerating the war on corruption and impunity, arresting senior government officials, businesses people and ordinary citizens linked to corrupt deals. The deals are valued at billions of Kenyan shillings and involve government departments and ministries.
“The on-going efforts to rid the country of corruption is commendable. We encourage the President and all these agencies involved in the war… not to relent,” said Bishop Philip Anyolo following the bishops’ extra-ordinary plenary meeting in Nairobi on 17 August.
In 2017, Transparency International ranked Kenya 143 out of 180 countries in its corruption index. Officials at the organisation estimated that 30 per cent of resources made for the procurement of goods and services are stolen through corruption. The government loses a third of its budget (Ksh.608 billion) to corruption every year, according to the organisation.
Anyolo said the vice should be tackled in a strategic and organised manner at all levels, including among ordinary citizens, security agencies and in leadership. He called on the Department of Public Prosecution to “widen the net” and catch all those proven to have stolen or embezzled public funds.
“We cannot go back on the gains made in this fight against corruption. We cannot afford to lose the war,” said Anyolo. This is a moment of hope, Anyolo told journalists, this is the opportunity we have and all are called to be part of it.
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