By Dr. Edris N. Omondi (Advocate)
attorneyedris@ywcg.org
Integrity—something that seems simple in theory yet proves to be an elusive quality for many in practice. It is a value we are all taught to uphold, inscribed in our constitution, and preached in our religious sanctuaries, but how often do we truly see it in action? Does the pursuit of high standards compromise our character, or are we simply overlooking the small ways we stray from our ideals?
Some time ago, I wrote an article that appeared in one of our daily newspapers titled, “We Need More Kenyans Whose Moral Values Are Not for Sale.” The article garnered wide readership in the country, reaching as far as the UK, where a university professor requested my permission to use the article in one of his discourses. It was indeed a spine-tingling moment to see my thoughts impacting great minds afar. However, despite the positive response, I couldn’t shake off the nagging thought: Why hasn’t there been any real impetus for change, and how has a lack of integrity become the norm? It seems to have become a habit accepted as normal, from our pulpits to secular lifestyles, affecting the very fabric of our daily lives. No matter how pretentiously we point fingers at others, we have all become victims.
This is the question that needs to be at the heart of our national conversation.
It’s a soul-searching question for all of us as Kenyans—are we truly committed to upholding integrity in Kenya, or are we too gullible and helpless, comfortable with compromise, or enjoying the integrity ping-pong game, with powerful individuals taking advantage of the weak? A dice roller of fate, targeting its next victim—God for us all.
To begin this conversation, we need to break it down into smaller, manageable parts and involve every Kenyan from all walks of life. The time for a genuine discussion on integrity is now. There has to be a starting point—from the known to the unknown. No matter how scrambled or untidy it might look, our starting point is a citizen participatory effort, hopefully, coordinated by the body mandated by law, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)—an inspirational launch I cannot afford to miss if it happens!
1. The EACC’s Prosecutorial Mandate:
We all know the headlines. Public figures, politicians, and business tycoons—are often caught up in cases of corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. Despite the loud accusations and visible trials, the public is left with a growing sense of scepticism. How many times have we heard about high-profile individuals facing charges, only for the cases to fizzle out, leaving the public frustrated?
One light example that comes to mind is the infamous Goldenberg scandal, which involved the massive loss of public funds. Despite years of investigations, how much has actually been recovered? The endless delays and prolonged investigations cause Kenyans to wonder whether the systems are too weak or, worse yet, too complicit.
While prosecutions are essential, they often feel like a band-aid solution, fixing a small part of the systemic issue. A real conversation on integrity must go beyond just prosecuting wrongdoers; we need to dig deeper into why these crimes happen in the first place and what can be done to prevent them.
2. The EACC’s Ethics Mandate:
Ethical standards are the foundation upon which any society is built. When integrity is compromised, it leads to a breakdown of trust, not only in public institutions but in the very fabric of society. However, ethics cannot only be enforced from the top down—it has to be embedded in the daily practices of the citizens themselves.
Take, for instance, the small acts of corruption we witness daily: the police officer asking for a bribe on the road or the government official taking a backhander for a “speedy” service. These micro-corruptions, while seemingly insignificant on their own, cumulatively degrade the moral fibre of the nation. In the long term, they normalise the idea that “it’s okay to break the rules if no one is watching.” We need to address this culture, starting with educating the younger generation on the importance of moral values that cannot be bought or sold.
3. The EACC’s Prevention Mandate:
The prevention of corruption and unethical behaviour should be at the heart of any national conversation on integrity. While prosecuting corruption is important, preventing it before it happens is even more critical. Prevention means addressing the root causes: the lack of accountability, the ease of manipulation, and the absence of transparency in systems.
Imagine a scenario where we overhaul how public procurement works—introducing transparent bidding processes, ensuring public officials’ assets are disclosed regularly, and holding individuals accountable for the mismanagement of funds. This is where the prevention mandate comes in, but for it to succeed, we must have systems in place that make it hard for unethical behaviour to thrive.
4. Involving the Public: The Fourth Dimension to Strengthen the EACC Structures:
The EACC can only do so much, and public involvement is limited to its legislative mandate. However, a final piece of the puzzle involves logistical support—the active involvement of the public. Integrity is not just a top-down approach; it must be a collective effort. Citizens need to be aware of their role in upholding integrity in their communities. From reporting small acts of corruption to demanding accountability from their elected leaders, public involvement is crucial.
In practical terms, how can we get the public involved? An indigenous solution! The EACC could encourage citizens’ integrity assemblies—forums that promote civic education and partnerships with pro-rights CBOs, NGOs, and similar bodies. This would ignite honest conversations and community-based solutions.
Furthermore, national campaigns could educate citizens on the importance of integrity at every level—whether in the workplace, on the roads, or at home—to gradually shift attitudes. We need to redefine what integrity looks like for the everyday Kenyan and ensure that it is a value shared by all, from villages to urban centres.
Where Do We Start?
To begin this honest national conversation on integrity, we must focus on small but meaningful actions:
- Encourage Reporting: Make it easy for people to report unethical behaviour without fear of retribution through anonymous tip-off lines, local community forums, or digital platforms.
- Build Ethical Education Programmes: Launch campaigns in schools, universities, and workplaces that focus on the importance of integrity and ethical behaviour. Teaching young people that their moral values are not for sale is key to shaping a new generation.
- Strengthen Institutions: Empower the Judiciary and the Police to hold individuals accountable. Corruption courts could integrate Alternative Justice Systems, depending on the nature of cases.
- Public Leaders Leading by Example: Leaders must demonstrate integrity. If they engage in corrupt practices, it sets a precedent for the rest of the population. A Luo adage says, Rech chako top gi wiye—a fish rots first from the head.
Conclusion
Integrity may indeed be an elusive truth in some parts of our society, but that does not mean it is unattainable. With a clear, collective effort and a willingness to address the hard truths, Kenya can begin a national conversation that will lead to real change. It’s time for all of us to ask ourselves: What role am I playing in either upholding or compromising integrity? The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.
