EACC Chief Opts for Modest Ride During Kilifi Retreat: Here’s Why
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Twalib Mbarak has called for collaboration to end the deep-routed vice of bribery in the police force.
Speaking during the International Day Against Corruption in Murang’a on Saturday, Mbarak expressed his concern about the widespread and brazen corruption within the police force nationwide.
He specifically referred to police roadblocks as ‘toll stations’ and questioned the presence of more than three roadblocks on a single road.
Having visited over 50 countries, Mbarak expressed dismay that Kenya stands out as the only country where bribes are openly taken.
“When I am on leave in Kilifi I don’t drive the Prado because they will know I am around, I take a simple car and you can see openly they are taking bribes,” he said.
“One day at Nyali bridge I saw a policewoman being given Sh100 as I was waiting for the light to read green, I felt like shouting at her but I didn’t want her to know that I am the CEO of EACC because they will mark my car,” Mbarak added.
International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is celebrated every year to raise awareness among the general public on the impact of the prevailing vice in many countries.
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Going further, the EACC boss noted that such acts are the reason the country has continued to do poorly in the Transparency International rankings.
He however said it will take the effort of all stakeholders to end the vice adding that even as the EACC tries to deliver on their mandate, they cannot do it alone.
“I have traveled to about 50 countries in my life. One of the few countries in the world where you see policemen openly taking bribes is Kenya, openly, they don’t care, openly you see them, before we make the ambush you see we record secretly And we show you see this is how they taking money,” Mbarak said.
According to the United Nations, corruption has negative impacts on every aspect of society and is profoundly intertwined with conflict and instability.
It jeopardizes social and economic development and undermines democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development.
EACC Chief Opts for Modest Ride During Kilifi Retreat: Here’s Why