By Lauryne Akoth
The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission Chief Twalif Abdallah Mbarak criticized Kenyan citizens for electing ineffective leaders and subsequently blaming the EACC for not carrying out their mandate.
While addressing the press today, Mbarak stated that Kenyan citizens are partly to blame for corrupt practices happening at various government levels, particularly the county level, as a result of their poor choices at the ballot during elections. The chief stated that the EACC cannot be everywhere underscoring the importance of electing effective leaders during elections.
The EACC head proceeded to state that some counties are less corrupt than others. He cited Kisumu county as one of them, the reason being accountable leadership by Professor Anyang’nyong’o, the governor. Mbarak made it clear that he was not campaigning for anyone but an open fact.
“I have been to Kisumu county, a very accountable county by Professor Anyang’nyong’o. But there are some counties with issues, and if you look at the key reason is that mliwachagua viongozi vibaya. Nguruwe anajikaanga na mafuta yake, basi nyinyi mnajikaanga kwa mafuta yenu. You went and voted for some funny guys and now you are complaining the EACC is not working.” Said Mbarak.
The sentiments of the head of the EACC sparked mixed reactions among netizens. While others were in agreement with his sentiments, a section of netizens interpreted his sentiments as a reflection of the organization’s inability to meet the expectations set by its mandate.
“Wacha dawa iingie wakenya, what were they thinking, choices have consequences 😂’’ a netizen stated. On the other hand, another netizen commented, “When the EACC chief blames us and says they can’t be everywhere makes you wonder what the purpose of the organization is then”
The head of the EACC championed for the notion charity begins at home by emphasizing that with a population of 55 million Kenyans, expecting the EACC to monitor every individual for corruption charges would necessitate a workforce equivalent to the entire population of Kenya, or 55 million EACC staff. This did not board well with other netizens who felt that ending corruption is a collective responsibility between the body mandated to handle corruption issues and the voters.
“We do elect them, but they get integrity clearance from you people! You should provide a firewall for voters who don’t know better so that the ballot box only has people with integrity beyond reproach! Lakini Sasa blaming voters when you also are not doing your job is wrong! It is a collective responsibility!”