President Uhuru Kenyatta led Madaraka celebrations today in Kinoru Stadium, Meru, where the official celebrations were held in celebration of Kenya’s 55 years of self-independence.
He declared that he was impressed with the recent arrest of state officials which has been happening around the country with regards to corruption.
“I am glad that arrests of senior officials have been made. There are more on the way. I want officials, particularly senior ones, who are directly implicated in corruption to have no place in my administration and for them to go to jail,” he told the crowd.
The President likened the corrupt government officials to colonialists who plundered Kenya’s resources and he warned that more officials are yet to be arrested.
He vowed that all heads of procurement in government offices will undergo fresh vetting and those who do not pass will stand suspended. The head of state also urged Kenyans to stand united and to work towards spreading peace in the country.
“Some of those trusted to run and manage institutions, resources and safeguard the public interest have turned predators. Through their selfishness, greed and misuse of authorities, Kenyans have been denied critical public services and development,” he said making reference to the corrupt officials misusing public resources.
Kenyatta, who is serving his second and final term also promised to realize the ‘Big Four’ agenda, particularly for those who are having the toughest time.
Also present was Deputy President William Ruto who just like his boss vowed to offer his ‘unqualified’ support against the fight against corruption.
His sentiments were echoed by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga who stirred the crowd by singing a song that was sung by those who fought for independence and for the release of Kenya’s founding father Jomo Kenyatta.
“That’s why we decided to come together so we can fight corruption, poverty, equality for the country’s prosperity, hence the handshake,” Raila said.
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