We pride ourselves as a country that does not condone corruption, in whatever form. This tag has been recognised beyond our borders and we are used as a case study in combating the vice.Having a zero tolerance policy in regard to sleaze does not immunise society as a whole, a few bad apples will once in a while crop up. The problem with many societies that are beleaguered by corruption – to the extent that it becomes institutionalised – is that they are also hampered by a malignant tumour; impunity.In some of our neighbouring counties, not a day goes by without the media voicing out allegations of corruption in high places, some cases so fragrant that the Mobutu era in the former Zaire – synonymous with daylight robbery in all spheres of life – pales in comparison.The reasons the media in the region scream hoarsely, but ineffectively, is because the subjects of their accusations are powerful people protected by their political or other connections, more powerful than the institutions they serve – or rather, that serves them.Condoning untouchables, who walk away with the states’ coffers, heads held high, is the last ingredient for a nation to go down the sewers. It eats into the fabric of society, contaminates the next generation who grow up with the notion that it’s OK to steal from the state, ask for “Kitu kidogo” before offering a service, or even buy favours that should in the first place been his or her legal rights.That is why this country is mentioned with reverence when the subject of fighting corruption comes up. There are no untouchables within our walls and impunity has been banished to the dustbin of history.To keep this track record needs the input of all, not anti corruption watchdogs or Parliamentary Accounts Committees alone. It’s the hard-earned taxes of the citizens at stake, so who better to stand guard than the tax payer?
