The Twelve Pillars Of Impunity: A Call for Accountability And Justice In Kenya And For Kenyans

The corridors of power in our beloved Kenya have long been haunted by specters of corruption and misrule, and now the time has come to hold the architects of this travesty accountable before the scales of justice tip in favor of the people.

In a nation where the proverb warns, “When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind,” our society trembles at the very foundations that were meant to sustain it, as leaders become the storm.

The law, though cloaked in solemn oaths and statutes, has been perverted by a cabal of office bearers who, like cunning foxes in the henhouse, have turned state resources into personal treasure troves.

William Ruto, the man at the helm of our state, has often been paraded as the captain of a ship adrift in turbulent waters; allegations of human rights abuses and a shadowy past lurk behind every decision, challenging the very notion of presidential accountability.

Certain actors have taken center stage, not for their commendable performances, but for their roles in a tragicomedy of corruption, incompetence, and betrayal. It is said that “when the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” and indeed, the Kenyan populace has been trampled underfoot by the very leaders sworn to protect and serve them.

First among these is President William Ruto, whose political journey is marred by allegations as dark as a moonless night. The International Criminal Court once pointed its accusatory finger at him, alleging his orchestration of crimes against humanity during the 2007-2008 post-election violence. Though the charges were eventually vacated, the shadows of those dark days linger, whispering tales of unforgotten atrocities.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who assumed office on 1 November 2024 following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, has been implicated in various controversies during his political career. His tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration was marked by allegations of heavy-handedness and suppression of dissent, raising concerns about his commitment to democratic principles.

Musalia Mudavadi, the PCS and CS for Foreign Affairs , has faced criticism for his close association with individuals accused of corruption. His political maneuvers have often been viewed as self-serving, prioritizing personal ambitions over the welfare of the nation.

Read Also: Dear Kenyans, The Streets Are Calling, It Is Either Now Or We Will Have No Country

Inspector-General Douglas Kanja, who assumed office in July 2024 following the resignation of Japheth Koome, has been criticized for perpetuating a culture of impunity within the police force. Under his leadership, reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances have continued unabated, suggesting a deep-seated rot within the institution.

Gilbert Masengeli, the Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service, has been implicated in numerous scandals. Allegations of corruption and misuse of power have followed him like a persistent shadow, suggesting that his commitment to the rule of law is, at best, questionable.

Amin Mohamed, the Director of Criminal Investigations, has been accused of turning a blind eye to high-profile crimes. His selective pursuit of justice has led to a public perception that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is more interested in settling political scores than serving the cause of justice.

Noordin Haji, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service since June 2023, has presided over an agency that seems more adept at surveilling political opponents than thwarting threats to national security. The NIS’s failure to prevent acts of terrorism and its involvement in domestic political machinations have tarnished its reputation.

Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, has been a perennial figure in corruption scandals. His name has appeared in reports ranging from the “chicken gate” scandal to dubious gold deals, painting a picture of a leader more interested in personal enrichment than public service.

Amason Kingi, the Speaker of the Senate, has faced allegations of misappropriating county funds during his tenure as Governor of Kilifi. The ghosts of vanished public monies haunt his political career, raising questions about his commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Farah Maalim, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, has stirred controversy with inflammatory rhetoric that dismisses the rights of the youth, a reckless display that endangers the democratic values he is meant to uphold.

Former Inspector-General Japheth Koome’s tenure was marked by a series of unfortunate events that left Kenyans questioning the very essence of their safety. The mysterious murder of ICT manager Chris Msando in 2017, a case that remains unsolved, casts a long shadow over his legacy. The failure to bring perpetrators to justice speaks volumes about the inefficacy, or perhaps complicity, of those at the helm.

Former US Ambassador Meg Whitman, though a diplomat, is not without blemish. Her perceived interference in Kenya’s internal affairs and cozy relationships with questionable characters have led to suspicions about her true intentions during her tenure.

In the words of an African proverb, “a fish rots from the head down.” The malfeasance of these twelve individuals has set a precedent that trickles down, corroding the very fabric of Kenyan society. Their actions, or inactions, have sown seeds of distrust, division, and despair among the populace.

Justice is a blind lady, but in Kenya, it seems she has been peeking beneath her blindfold, favoring the powerful and punishing the powerless. The scales have been tipped, not by the weight of evidence, but by the weight of influence and ill-gotten wealth.

The time has come to recalibrate these scales. To restore faith in our institutions, we must hold these individuals accountable. Let the law be a lion, mighty and just, that does not cower before the hyenas of corruption and impunity.

Incarcerating these twelve is not just about punishment; it’s about setting a precedent. It’s about declaring that no one is above the law, that the people’s trust is sacred, and that betrayal of this trust is the gravest sin.

The road to justice is long and winding, but as another proverb reminds us, “however long the night, the dawn will break.” Let us hasten the coming of that dawn by demanding accountability, transparency, and integrity from those who lead us. The imprisonment of these twelve individuals is not a call for vengeance but a plea for justice. It is a clarion call to cleanse our nation of the pestilence of corruption and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

For as the wise say, “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” If we do not hold these leaders accountable, the anger and frustration of a betrayed nation will eventually manifest in ways too painful to contemplate. The suffering of the common citizen, the frustration of the entrepreneur, the despair of the unemployed youth—these are all the symptoms of a nation that has allowed impunity to thrive unchecked.

We must not be deceived by their well-rehearsed speeches or their insincere displays of humility. The law is clear: those who misuse public office, steal from the people, or preside over murder and oppression must face the full weight of justice. The Kenya we dream of—one that is just, free, and prosperous—cannot exist if these twelve are allowed to continue operating with impunity.

Let the courts be reminded that “Justice is like a train that is nearly never late, but only for those who can afford the ticket.” This time, the ticket must not be bought by power or influence. The people demand a fair process, an open trial, and an honest verdict.

To the judiciary: prove to Kenyans that the law is not just a tool for the powerful to crush the weak. Prove that it can hold the powerful accountable. Let these twelve be made to answer for their actions.

To the people: let us not be bystanders in our own suffering. Let us demand justice, let us organize, let us vote wisely, let us refuse to be pawns in their games. As another proverb warns, “A snake that is not killed will only grow bigger.” If we do not act now, they will only become bolder in their theft, in their violence, and in their destruction of our future.

For far too long, these twelve individuals have used their positions to enrich themselves while impoverishing an entire nation. It is time to reclaim Kenya. It is time to fight for a government that serves its people, not one that exploits them.

Let their names be etched in history, not as leaders, but as symbols of the worst era of betrayal and misrule. Let them stand trial. Let justice be served.

And to those who think they are untouchable, remember: “Even the tallest tree will fall when the axe is sharp.” The people are sharpening their axes.

Read Also: Kenya: The Republic Of No Consequences That Nurtures Evil Of Society And Abhors What Is Right & Good