JAMILA'S MEMO: The price of protecting 'our thief'

How many times have we seen leaders accused of corruption arriving at Integrity Centre accompanied by cheering crowds of supporters? Too many to count. 

This week was no different. The arrest of a county governor and nine of his officials on corruption allegations, with millions in Kenyan shillings and US dollars recovered from his home, has once again exposed the bizarre loyalty we sometimes afford the powerful.

But this is not just about one Governor. This is about the “Big Man Syndrome” — a Governor today, a Cabinet Secretary tomorrow, a parastatal boss next week.

The lesson we seem to keep avoiding is that no one is above the law. Hierarchy shouldn’t shield you. Crime is crime.

Corruption has long been described as a cancer in the fabric of Kenyan society. But while we repeat this rhetoric, we often ignore the root of the problem: our inability or unwillingness as a society to hold the culprits accountable.

Let’s be honest. Our record in fighting official corruption is flimsy at best. Convictions? Rare. Especially for the high and mighty.

It is the petty offenders — chicken thieves, handbag snatchers who are swiftly dispatched by our justice system. But those with influence? They walk free, wave at crowds, and in some cases, run for office; and win.

Corruption in Kenya is nipe nikupe — a transactional dance of convenience. And citizens must realize they’re not just bystanders, they’re part of the equation. Every time we protect a corrupt leader with the mwizi wetu mindset, we become enablers.

That mindset is the backbone of corruption in Kenya. When suspects are finally arrested, they cry foul and say, “they’re arresting all of us.”

What we saw outside Integrity Centre wasn’t just loyalty — it was a public admission of mwananchi liability in corruption. Leaders steal, then claim to do it for the people. And tragically, many believe them.

“Zero tolerance to corruption” is a high standard but it means what it says. No exceptions. Yet we’ve normalized the abnormal; electing and celebrating individuals with active corruption cases.

We turn a blind eye as long as they throw us crumbs. A few handouts. A slogan here. A song and dance there.

But corruption always has a victim. Diverted funds don’t just disappear they steal classrooms, hospitals, and safe roads.

When Ksh.2 billion is allocated for road construction and half of it is stolen, that road will likely be poorly built. 

Accidents happen. Repairs cost more. Lives are lost. And the same leaders come back, offer Ksh.50, and we queue to vote them in again.

Until we the people decide to treat corruption as a deal breaker especially at the ballot it will never truly be an issue. 

Politicians will continue to talk tough at rallies and do little behind the scenes. Because they know; we’ll do nothing.

Corruption exists in our very fabric — and unfortunately, we’ve allowed it to remain so.

And that is my memo.