Kenya’s religious leaders call for accountability in the use of COVID-19 funds

Rose Achiego & Vatican News English Africa Service 

Chairman of the Dialogue Reference Group, Archbishop Martin Kivuva of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa delivering a press statement at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, said that Kenyans were extremely unhappy with the corruption in the country.

A concerning lack of transparency

“This Dialogue Reference Group is appalled at the downward spiral of descent into the madness of uncontrolled corruption being witnessed in our nation. This trend is immoral and is contrary to the teachings of God, and we fully condemn it. The information in the public arena indicates that the country has received more than 190 billion Kenya Shillings to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there has been great lack of transparency and accountability in the expenditure of these funds, which has lent credence to accusations that most of the money has been misappropriated. It is inconceivable for us that a Kenyan can sit and plot how to steal money meant to save the lives of Kenyans!” said Archbishop Kivuva flanked by other religious leaders. 

Parliament needs to exercise its duty of oversight

The Group reminded the country’s Executive and Parliament not to abet corruption by neglecting their duty of oversight and vigilance over public funds.

“The reports of corruption touching on the Covid-19 funds are a condemnation on the Executive and Parliament, who have the sworn duty to protect the lives and resources of Kenyans. We remind you that every time you abet corruption by failing to exercise your oversight mandate, you are breaking your oath of office,” the Church leaders said. 

Public expenditure, procedures and documentation must be transparent

Archbishop Kivuva said that the Dialogue Reference Group had noted that corruption in Kenya is perpetuated by bureaucratically instigated opacity in public finance manifested by the lack of details, clarity and information on matters such as expenditure, procurement and disbursements among others. 

The Group has made an urgent appealed to the Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, to act swiftly and save the situation.