The Chief Executive Officer of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Abdi Mohamud, has raised alarm over a worrying trend among young Kenyans, revealing that nearly 80 per cent would engage in corruption if given the opportunity.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Monday, May 4, 2026, Mohamud referred to the discovery as a solemn indictment of society, urging stakeholders to question the fundamentals behind such attitudes.

He pointed out that the increased tolerance of the young generation towards corruption indicates that there are more fundamental structural issues like unemployment, financial hardship, and the normalisation of graft in government.

“According to our research, many Kenyans, especially the youths, admit that if allowed to engage in corruption, they would do so. 80 per cent of young Kenyans say if they are given a chance to involve themselves in corruption, they would do so,” Mohamud said.

EACC fingers politicians over inciting youths

The boss of the EACC says that political leaders have a big role to play in creating such perceptions. He has condemned certain segments of the leadership on allegations of mobilising the youth to fight against anti-corruption efforts, thus weakening institutions mandated to promote integrity and accountability.

“This is a worrying trend, yet the young people are the face of our country. We must look at why our children have such a notion. Our leaders mobilise the youths against our fight for corruption against them. The members of the public have a duty to help EACC in fighting against corruption,” Mohamud added.

The EACC boss further pointed out that corruption is not only a legal problem but also a moral and cultural crisis, which can only be resolved by joint effort. Mohamud also urged national dialogue, whereby society should be engaged in an attempt to inculcate in young people values of honesty and integrity.

The EACC CEO also encouraged the masses to actively participate in the war against corruption. He observed that it is a civic responsibility of citizens to report corrupt practices and even promote anti-graft efforts through the commission.

He said that it is the role of all Kenyans, and not only the EACC, to win the war against corruption.

The commission has been working hard to strengthen the campaigns of sensitising the people about corruption and intensifying the fight against corruption by enhancing the collaboration with other institutions in the fight against corruption.