[kca-info] PRESS RELEASE: The 2005 KCA Award for Excellence and its ramifications

PRESS RELEASE

September 6, 2006

The 2005 KCA Award for Excellence and its ramifications

A Statement of the Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA)

The presentation of the KCA Award for Excellence has never before been met with such polarizing reactions, both by highly placed persons and ordinary Kenyans. The award went to John Githongo.

There were four nominees: Tegla Lorupe, nominated for her peacemaking initiatives among the poor and war-afflicted populations in Kenya; Kipchoge Keino, for using his talent and fortune to make a home for abused and abandoned children in Kenya; Ali Mazrui, for his prolific lifetime contribution of intellectual wealth; and John Githongo, for being the whistleblower who outed the multi-billion shillings corruption schemes of officials in government.

We take this opportunity to congratulate all the nominees and to say that we greatly honour their work. May we point out that this is always a democratic process that sees the nominee with majority votes win. What is important after that is the support KCA gives as an organization to elevate the winner's cause.

This time, it is the anti-corruption cause which seeks to institute economic justice and political accountability. When the award went to Bw. John Githongo, it gave us the opportunity to focus more intently on the role we should play in fighting this affliction called corruption.

We may agree or disagree on what constitutes a good fight against corruption, but what we know for sure is that there comes a time when certain actions, though not exclusive, force a renewal or rebirth of a struggle against social vices that threaten to destroy us. Time and opportunity places certain persons at the precipice of a revolution, and if we fail to follow with action, say enough is
enough, and march on resolutely towards a solution, then awards such as these will be rendered meaningless.

The struggle hasn't gone by; it looms ahead of us. Let politicians and diplomats not become agents of polarity because of the actions of a highly placed whistleblower. Instead, let them lead the people into crafting a course for economic accountability. What we do as a people in the immediate future to fight corruption will make or break the social fibre that defines Kenya. The first thing is that corruption must become "my problem."

When we speak of corruption, it is always with reference to the other person. Even if we have never given or received a bribe, we are as equally affected because the actions of the corruptor and corruptee have a ripple effect that tears holes into the pockets of the majority, thus widening the gap between the rich and the poor.  Corruption sears into the flesh of our conscience as a nation and defines us from a point of dishonour.

We are quickly becoming the reference point among African nations when it comes to corruption. It is not a pretty position, neither is it something the government should react defensively against. The best way to protect our honour is to restore it in the first place.  Restore it through a concerted effort to institutionalize anti-corruption mechanisms and attitudes through the courts, in
governance, and in our everyday social interaction.

More importantly, when our leaders institute these restorative measures, as we know they are doing, they must be seen to be effective and consistent. They should not be selectively implemented to protect anyone. They must also have a capacity for rejuvenating society anytime it is afflicted with small or staggering cases of corruption. That some culprits escape justice because there is no law to convict them is an example of a society whose constitution lacks capacity for self-rejuvenation.

We must have a system that does not mock the people through formation of commissions that end up with lame reports and no action taken. The common excuse that certain on-going cases of corruption started with past presidents should not be heard on the lips of incumbent leadership when confronted with evidence of cover-ups. It is not the time for excuses and defensiveness; it's time for action and uniting the people under a common transforming mission.

Information technology and a higher political consciousness have allowed things done in the dark to float quickly to the light.  Kenyans abroad are informed, and they care. We know we have a country to be proud of, and we will stand to protect the honour of our country when maligned.

We will also arise to blow a whistle when need be. Love of country means not fearing to speak truth to power. We will remain vigilant and proactive in pushing for accountable leadership, a conscientious citizenry, and a just economy.

Mkawasi Mcharo:
President, KCA
Washington, D.C.
president@kenyansabroad.org
cc. KCA Executive

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KCA initiatives:

KCA STOP! Campaign
www.stopcampaign.com

KCA TAP (Talent Access Pool)
www.agendaafrica.com/TAP

KCA Think Tank
www.agendaafrica.com

KCA Chapters and affiliations
www.kenyansabroad.org
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