Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a warning to politicians against resorting to tribalism as a defense strategy when facing corruption allegations.
In what appears to be a subtle rebuke directed at former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who is currently under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Mudavadi emphasized that invoking ethnic mobilization will not shield individuals involved in corrupt practices.
Mudavadi made it clear that corruption investigations are conducted by independent state institutions and are not influenced by any person in a position of authority. He underscored the importance of allowing these institutions to carry out their work without interference or the manipulation of tribal sentiments.
During a public address in Busia, Mudavadi stated, “Let nobody run to their tribes when they are pursued over corruption; let the independent institutions charged with that work do their job.” This message comes in the wake of allegations made by Oparanya, who is being investigated for a potential loss of Ksh1.3 billion during his tenure as governor. Oparanya claimed that he was being targeted for political reasons.
Mudavadi’s comments serve as a reminder that independent institutions tasked with combating corruption are guided by the law and must carry out their duties without bias. He further stated that individuals who have not engaged in corrupt activities have no reason to be concerned, but those who have participated in such practices should rightfully be held accountable.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary expressed concern over the significant amounts of public funds that have been lost due to corruption across various levels of government, including state agencies, institutions, and counties. He stressed that investigations must be carried out objectively, without individuals attempting to deflect blame by invoking tribal affiliations.
Mudavadi’s call for a fair and transparent approach to addressing corruption echoes concerns about the politicization of anti-corruption efforts. It reflects a broader sentiment within the public and among political leaders that accountability and transparency are essential for building a just and equitable society.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga had previously criticized the graft investigation into Oparanya, describing it as a witch-hunt. This underscores the diverse viewpoints and complexities surrounding corruption investigations in the Kenyan political landscape.
Source
by: Jusa