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Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has appealed to Kenyans to adopt traditional practices that promoted ethics and uprightness in local communities in the fight against corruption.

He spoke yesterday at the inaugural Utamaduni Day held at Bomas where various communities displayed songs and dances to mark the day.

Addressing the audience, Koskei left no room for ambiguity as he firmly urged Kenyans to distance themselves from corruption. “Corruption has no place in our society,” he declared, emphasising the need for a united front against this pervasive issue.

Speaking during the ceremony that was also graced by First Lady Rachael Ruto, Koskei challenged Kenyans to rethink their understanding on corruption. “Do we truly understand what corruption is? It has never been a part of our culture, and it should never become one,” he noted.

The Chief of Staff further noted that cultural unity in the country underscored the importance of collective responsibility in eradicating corruption from all aspects of Kenyan society. He called upon Kenyans to be vigilant and proactive in reporting corruption whenever and wherever they encounter it.

Join hands

“We must be the change we wish to see in our nation. If we turn a blind eye to corruption, we allow it to fester. Let us join hands and fight it,” he warned.

Koskei also commended efforts of organisations, civil society groups, and Government agencies working tirelessly to combat corruption. He pledged the government’s commitment to strengthening anti-corruption measures and ensure transparency in all sectors.

“Let us retreat to our culture and tradition so that we can build men and women who will be seen as just and straight forward and also people who will ensure public property is safeguarded,” he noted
The inaugural 2023 Utamaduni Day served as a platform for not only celebrating Kenya’s rich cultural heritage but also as a call to action against corruption.