KENYA: Bishop Peter Kihara, Condemns rampant corruption in the country
Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, I.M.C., Bishop of Marsabit
The Catholic Bishop of Marsabit Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara has strongly condemned the rampant corruption in the country calling upon citizens to be mindful of the needs of others and to promote equitable sharing of country’s resources among citizens.
In his Homily at Consolata Shrine in Nairobi on 17th June, 2018 during the Eucharistic Celebrations to mark the feast day of our Lady Consolata and to celebrate the beatification of Blessed Sr. Leonnela Sgorbati, Bishop Kihara recalled that at independence, Kenyan’s first president said that country had three enemies to battle with, this included illiteracy, diseases and poverty. The Bishop observed that unfortunately from 1963 up to date, instead of reducing these vices, the situation seems to be getting worse.
“It is very unfortunate what we see in the media these days; corruption, corruption, corruption up to the highest level. it is seeming useless even to mention it,” he said adding that so many people are suffering because of a few individual’s decision to deprive others of what is meant to benefit all Kenyans.
He condemned gluttonous and corrupt individuals who are looting public resources leaving the rest of Kenyans to wallow in poverty. “Those who are diverting public resources to their own personal gain, those who think that they deserve more of these resources than other Kenyans, my message to you is that you will be answerable to none other than God. The wealth and resources of this country is meant for all Kenyans, not just a few individuals who thinks that they deserve better than the rest of citizens.”
Bishop Kihara further said that it is very unfortunate and sad that because of a few selfish individuals, many Kenyans have to live without even that basic necessity because someone with a long hand, someone who has mastered the art of stealing took everything that was meant to be shared by all.
“It is worthless if you accumulate wealth at the expense of your neighbor; if what you have accumulated cannot bring a smile to others who are less privileged. It means that we as citizens of this great country have failed to see the face of God in our neighbors. poverty levels continue to rise, common diseases still kill our people, where is our humanness?” Bishop Kihara posed.
Kenya continue to experience rampant corruption where billions of tax payers’ money has been embezzled. In a bid to intensify the war on graft, President Uhuru Kenyatta recently announced that a lifestyle audit will be conducted on all civil servants, including himself, as the government.
He said that all public servants will be asked to explain the source of their wealth and all those found to have plundered public coffers will be put to task to reveal the sources of their wealth.
“You must be able to explain how you got your car, your house and land in comparison to what you earn,” the President was quoted by the media.
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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
