Raila Odinga yesterday addressed the issue of corruption in Kenya and generally African continents as a hindered to progress. He also gave a brief description of his vision and hope for new Kenya . This was during a public lecture which was held at the Duke University on ” Africa: A Time for Sustained Optimism?”.
According to Raila, this was an opportunity to share his vision for Africa which is something he did not take lightly.
His speech in part explained that one of the biggest threats to the shared prosperity is Corruption.
“I accept that it has been difficult to fight corruption on the continent. I admit that even in Kenya, where I have joined President Kenyatta in waging a campaign against corruption, many remain skeptical. But I see a turning point. Now, in most African countries, people’s voice can no longer be ignored.
In Kenya too, we have taken strong actions against corruption, and will continue to do so. Our actions are having a strong positive impact.” reads speech
Kenya nearly broke apart in 2007-2008 because of ethnic driven politics. The country was on an edge once again following the last election in 2017.
Kenyans are now saying ‘we cannot continue living like this. We can’t continue living as Kikuyus, Luos, Kalenjins, Luhyas, Kisii, miji Kenda, etc.” It has to stop. Tanzanians have done it right from independence to date. It is Kenya’s turn to do it.
According to Raila, the move to come to an agreement with President Kenyatta was way to launch a new journey in the country with his vision being that elections in Kenya will never be taken as civil war. His vision and hope for Kenya is that corruption will not be seen as a way of life.
“I sat down with President Kenyatta and agreed to launch a new journey, to a new Kenya; a Kenya where elections are not civil wars, where winners and losers embrace and where corruption is not a way of life.We also agreed to set up a taskforce to deal with issues we identified to be holding the country and to prevent their recurrence in future.”
In his speech, he also noted that he will use his current position to propel Africa towards full realization of its dreams.
“With the support of all the relevant institutions and offices of the AU Commission and the Continent’s partners, I will make full use of my position as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development to push Africa closer to the realization of the dreams of our founding fathers.
Our founding fathers envisaged a united and interconnected Continent that enjoys easy movement of goods and its citizens.
As we build strong infrastructure and human capital, I am confident that Africa will accelerate and sustain higher economic growth. But, growth that enriches only the rich is not what we want. We must ensure lasting peace and stability, that requires shared prosperity.” he said
His speech comes at a time where Kenyans seem to be giving up in the war against corruption and the challenge is how to sustain optimism in an environment where many have lost hope.
With his new appointment, and commitment a section of Kenyans have reacted saying that speeches are not enough only action and implementation is what will change the country and the African continent at large.