President Uhuru: I’ll intensify war on corruption

President Uhuru Kenyatta says he will make no covenants with evildoers or show mercy to corrupt officials in government.

He warned that those who are out to “rig our markets to enrich themselves” have no place in his administration.

Saying the war on graft is unstoppable, Uhuru said no administration in the history of the country has prosecuted corruption cases with the same vigour than he has done.

“I want to renew my pledge to you on this fight. I will not turn to the right or to the left. I will not soft-pedal or backpedal,” he said.

However, the President said the war against graft was being hampered by the Judiciary due to lack of convictions.

“I have been on the front line. And since I respect the principle of separation of powers, I have no powers of convicting the accused. I have done my part. And I will continue to do so.

Now the Judiciary should give us convictions as an indication that we are winning in this war,” he said.

He said his fight against graft has spared no one including ministers, governors, senior government officers and procurement officers.

The President said it is a shame on the country that the Judiciary prosecuted the drug trafficking case against the two Akasha sons and could not get a conviction, while within a year of being arraigned in the United States after forced extradition, they have been jailed.

No one spared

“That is something that our Judiciary must come to terms with. As we soldier on in this fight, I seek the indulgence of the Judiciary,” he said.

However, Uhuru said his fight against corruption has given him one joyous result because it has deterred acts of theft in public offices.

The Head of State said public officers are now afraid to engage in corrupt practices.

He directed the National Intelligence Services (NIS) to monitor activities of all cartel groupings operating in the public systems of budgeting, procurement, regulation and the illegal rigging of markets

“They have become leeches sucking away the blood and sweat of hardworking Kenyans. It should also put the agricultural sector under the microscope.

Once this review is completed, I further direct the DCI to take necessary action, working alongside the DPP, to confront these cartels with every instrument available,” he said.

“We cannot be a country where those who work hard are robbed of their profit by those too lazy to invest and produce.

This is why I am and will continue to fight corruption to ensure that the fruits of our labour fill every heart with thanks giving. I invite all of you to continue working with me on this noble fight,” the President added.