Erick
I. Matsanza
borrows
words
of one
of our
Kenya's
leaders
that
corruption does not begin and end with embezzlement of public resources. Rather,
corruption encompasses all malpractice, all the devious and immoral, cruel, and
completely unacceptable actions that are taken in self-interest. Corruption
includes dishonesty, discrimination, delinquency and a laidback attitude in the
course of managing public office. Corruption has reached such levels that it
threatens to write off the future of local communities in Kenya. It has bred such disorder in our
society that rules are disregarded and national wealth squandered at will.
Corruption begins at the top of local governments and prompts similar tendencies at the
lower levels of both private and public life. Indeed, those steeped in
corruption find comfort under the protective wings and in the arms of their
seniors – those, ironically, elected and mandated to safeguard our resources and
our welfare.
We must end corruption now if we are to have any future as
a country! We must restore the values of honesty, integrity and respect for work
if we are to salvage the reputation of our great country and enable others to
trust us. It is the only way in which we can ensure that resources are available
for efficient utilization of planned projects and programs to benefit all of us.
We have seen leaders mouth sweet-sounding words as they declare war against
corruption. We have seen the introduction of new anti-corruption institutions
and legislation that are undermined in their actions almost as soon as they are
formed. Corruption in Kenya shall come to an end the day Kenyans will vote into
office a national leadership that is driven by integrity. New laws, new watchdog
institutions and harsh talk will have little impact.
For any leader
to succeed
in the
area
of fighting
corruption,
s/he
must
be supported
from
the
grassroots,
thus
we need
sound
local
governance
in Kenya
for
us to
end
this
vice
to be
precise
families
are
the
smallest
units
that
perpertuate
corruption.
It begins
with
you
and
me right
from
the
grassroots.
Keep
Peace
for
a Stable
community.
Luhya!
Kikuyu!
Luo!
Kisii!
Kalenjin!
Maasai!
Pokot!
Teso!
Christian!
Muslim!
Hindu!
We are
all
one.
Brothers
and
Sisters
of the
same
nation
Fighting
Poverty There are so
many poor persons
in the rural areas
in Kenya. Most poor dwellers
of Marakusi are
peasant farmers, yet still cannot afford to make ends meet.
Erick Matsanza would
like to work with
the dwellers of
Marakusi Ward to
initiate activities
that would change
their lives starting
with the youths
and women who are
unemployed or not angaged in income generating activities and establish programs
which will engage school leavers so as to reduce the number of persons who join
the "boda boda" business
in Lugari but first
in Marakusi Ward.
