Kenyans implicated in corruption will be blocked from entering the United States, Ambassador Kyle McCarter has announced.
Speaking in Nairobi on Saturday, the McCarter also said that their children and kin will not be allowed to travel or study in the US.
McCarter, who spoke during the Junior Achievement Organization 100 years celebration, said that it is unfortunate that top government officials walk scot free after stealing billions of shillings, while ordinary Kenyans are jailed over petty offenses.
“You cannot allow somebody to steal Sh20 billion and fine them Sh10 billion. We deal with thieves in a very brutal way, not even according to the law,” said McCarter.
“Somehow, we tolerate the theft of billions in Kenya. If we stop tolerating thievery, Kenya will be a shining star for democracy and prosperity in Africa.”
McCarter further said that corruption is stopping the country from achieving its development goals, including President Uhuru’s big four agenda.
Very little rest for those that are tasked w/ fighting thievery in Kenya. Appreciate the friendship & great job being done by DPP Noordin Haji . USA is working side by side w/his team to #StopTheseThieves. We must all do our part. pic.twitter.com/QtWakkfrGc
— Ambassador Kyle McCarter (@USAmbKenya) May 16, 2019
“The cost of this is the same cost ironically as the Big Four. It could become a reality if we got rid of thievery.”
The ambassador assured that the US is fully supporting Kenyan authorities in the fight against graft.
He also decried the high levels of unemployment in the country and the slow growth of Kenya’s economy.
“We have a group of young people that are bitter and if we do not do anything, other people will employ them to harm,” McCarter added.
Appreciate the friendship of fellow Brother from Meru @DCI_Kenya George Kinoti and the great work he is doing to #StopTheseThieves. Let’s pray that the DCI can catch the big fish & make an example of how thievery will not be tolerated in Kenya. USA is backing you 100% pic.twitter.com/xpAOVfxmfD
— Ambassador Kyle McCarter (@USAmbKenya) May 16, 2019
“Two percent, three percent GDP growth is complete rubbish…you can double the size of the economy.”