This year’s Corruption Perception Index, released by Transparency International, recognised Rwanda’s efforts to fight corruption, in a region plagued by the vice to the extent of being institutionalised.Many countries are at the mercy of a few corrupt individuals who use their ill-gotten loot to placate law enforcers and the judiciary and hold the common man hostage.Mega projects that would otherwise be beneficial to the poor will remain unfinished as the funds are diverted to private coffers with no one to lift a finger. The poor will remain poorer while the corruption kingpins increase their waistlines.This is a path that Rwanda has refused to tread and has been working overtime to avoid. But whatever seemingly foolproof measures to fight graft may appear to be in place, a few individuals will ultimately squeeze through the dragnet.Therefore, there is urgent need to rope in the core victims of the graft food chain – the poor. They are the ones who suffer most when funds towards a local dispensary or a clean water project are diverted, and yet they suffer from preventable diseases.The poor should be emboldened to fight for their rights, to claim the services due to them without fear of repercussions. They should be made aware of the whistle blowers law that will empower them to be the guardians of their destiny and that their leaders are primarily accountable to them.Preventive measures have been put in place, it is therefore up to the people to be the guardians of the instruments. If they play their roles, the other pieces will fall into place.
