Share this
So serious was Uhuru’s statement this time that the vice was not only termed as a “sin” but declared a threat to national security.
On March 25th 2015, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation from parliament buildings, making his 3rd ever State of The Nation adress.
In his 7,346 worded speech (punctuated by several standing ovations), the President made what would be know as the strongest ever indication that he was sincere in his fight against graft.
His tough statements, were welcomed by pundits, supporters and foes but there were those like me who saw that there was going to be a tough journey that needed to be walked.
243 days later the President was making yet another statement – a tough talk on corruption. So serious was it this time that the vice was not only termed as a “sin” but declared a threat to national security.
Kenyans are tired of tough talk
After the much anticipated speech, Kenyans in their usual character poured onto social media platforms to “analyse” the president’s tough talk on corruption.
Anyone who still believes this gvt will finish corruption needs to book an appointment with the Pope for prayers #JubileeAnticorruptionJokes
— Violah Ng’etich (@ViolahNgetich) November 24, 2015
How do people expect #Jubilee to end graft while its leaders are the major beneficiaries in all the scams? #JubileeAnticorruptionJokes
— Fleet-Admiral (@MB_Tyger) November 24, 2015
These two examples are from thousands of tweets from Kenyans who think Uhuru’s fight against graft is a big PR joke meant to hoodwink Kenyans who have the past weeks shown their displeasure with the government’s handling of corruption issues.
This speech and the presentation of corruption reports and an anti-bribery bill coming just days after the resignation of the powerful Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru who was accused of being involved in the theft of Ksh. 800 is more than just a mere coincidence.
These statement’s expressed by “Kenyans on Twitter” show that the country is tired of speeches and want action taken against perpetrators of graft.
We do not lack laws, implementation is the problem
While some of the suggestions in the report on fighting corruption and the bribery bill are very commendable, it should be noted that Kenya’s problem with the war on graft has never been about the unavailability of strategies or legal frameworks.
#jubileeanticorruptionjokes Bob Collymore joking that the Anti_Bribery draft Bill was missing,killed it!
— kinyua kiminja (@KinyuaKiminja) November 24, 2015
Kenyan’s agree that it will definitely take more than good laws – we already have enough starting with the biblical “ten commandments” (or Torah in Islam):
Good laws will not fight corruption, because if it was just good laws; What is better than the 10 commandments? #JubileeAnticorruptionJokes
— Harmon Okinyo (@harmon_okinyo) November 24, 2015
Across the border in Tanzania for instance, newly elected President John Magufuli is leading from the front in fighting corruption and wastage of public resources.
Kenyans are now increasingly afraid that Tanzania which has been lagging behind other East African states will finally surpass Kenya due to the good will of the current regime.
Soon Tanzania will catch up, and overtake us if we continue with #JubileeAnticorruptionJokes . Magufuli is up to it https://t.co/S2kjHJS2zX
— JAMES SILA (@jamesilah) November 24, 2015
As the Pope lands in the country tomorrow, I hope that he will have a strong message, to the leadership of this country – Good thing the President is Catholic and we hope he will listen to the wise counsel on service delivery from the “Holy Father” who has exemplified what true servant leadership is all about.
If he refuses to listen then let’s hope that Pope Francis will inspire a modern day miracle – this country is badly in need of one because we do not have too many options.
#JubileeAnticorruptionJokes Replacing Uhuru with Jakom (Raila Odinga) would be the real anti corruption joke,the guy himself is a mes.I still trust Uhuru
— Murimi Stephen K (@MurimiStephen) November 24, 2015
All said, that was a good speech but as far as the intentions to actually defeat corruption is concerned, we are not buying his speech:
I will love you forever like love for corruption in Kenya,it will never end.@Bapheezy #JubileeAntiCorruptionJokes pic.twitter.com/emDPIpy4OX
— Eliasib Mosoti Hon. (@EliasibMosoti) November 24, 2015
Follow me on Twitter @IamOminde
