NAIROBI, Kenya, May 30, 2018/ — Joint Statement by Heads of Mission in Kenya on Corruption:
Corruption has long undermined Kenya’s prosperity, security, and democracy. It is, quite simply, theft from the Kenyan people. As friends, we welcome the recent action by the Director of Public Prosecutions, working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, to charge officials and others in connection with reports of widespread corruption at the National Youth Service. We also welcome President Kenyatta’s statements and actions to address the corruption scourge. We urge that Kenya’s judiciary take swift action, consistent with the rule of law, to ensure fair trials and justice.
No country is free of corruption, and many of ours have faced challenges. There are no shortcuts to tackling the problem. It requires strong Kenyan political leadership, a commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, and all government and law enforcement agencies working together. When there is evidence of corruption, those responsible should be prosecuted regardless of political party, social stature, or personal connections. Individuals or organizations found guilty of stealing should be held accountable, to include forfeiting the proceeds of their crimes. And Kenyans need strong, reliable institutions and systems that reduce the opportunities for corruption.
As partners, we stand with Kenyans in the fight against corruption. Many of us are providing wide-ranging assistance and support in this effort and we will continue to do so. We know Kenyans can end corruption. The challenge is for all Kenyans to join hands, take decisive action, and make the changes that are needed.
Robert F. Godec
Ambassador of the United States
Stefano Dejak
Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Kenya
Anna Jardfeldt
Ambassador of Sweden
Frans Makken
Ambassador of the Netherlands
Jutta Frasch
Ambassador of Germany
Mauro Massoni
Ambassador of Italy
Pavel Rezac
Ambassador of Czech Republic
Frantisek Dlhopolcek
Ambassador of Slovak Republic
Lisa Doherty
Chargé’ d’Affaires of Ireland
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Nic Hailey
High Commissioner for the United Kingdom
Mette Knudsen
Ambassador of Denmark
Ralf Heckner
Ambassador of Switzerland
Tarja Fernández
Ambassador of Finland
Alison Chartres
High Commissioner for Australia
Sara Hradecky
High Commissioner for Canada
Jacek Bazanski
Ambassador of Poland
Julia Pataki
Ambassador of Romania
Vebjørn Heines
Chargé d’Affaires of Norway
Source: APO