Safi news

Former Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome who previously led the Ministry of Lands is now under intense scrutiny over a series of alleged corruption scandals from her tenure.

Wahome was recently renominated to the Cabinet despite being accused of involvement in fraudulent tenders worth billions of shillings during her time in office.

Reports indicate that state agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Asset Recovery Agency are rigorously investigating her.

These investigations aim to uncover the extent of her financial gains from contractors she allegedly favored and to recover the substantial funds she is said to have illicitly acquired.

The controversy extends beyond the Lands Ministry to her earlier role in the Water Ministry, where similar corruption issues were reported.

Sources suggest that her involvement in land scandals, reported to both the police and the EACC, may have directly contributed to these malpractices.

Wahome’s leadership is marred by accusations of fostering ethnic divisions and undermining progress towards national unity.

Allegations of massive corruption in the Water Ministry reportedly prompted President William Ruto to reassign her to the Lands Ministry, where she continued to face claims of siphoning off billions until her dismissal during the cabinet overhaul.

Conflicts with senior officials, including a notable dispute with Principal Secretary Nixon Korir regarding ministry operations also complicated her tenure.

Her role in the implementation of the Ardhi Sasa system intended to streamline land transactions is tainted by allegations of bribery and corruption.

This initiative was plagued by malpractices.

Wahome’s period at the Water Ministry was marked by clashes with then-PS Paul Ronoh over financial management issues and resistance to official transfer requests.

These disputes coupled with ongoing investigations paint a troubling picture of her administrative conduct.

Is this the person with such a tainted record that President William Ruto wants to renominate into the Cabinet?

Under Article 10 of the Kenyan Constitution, principles of good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability are paramount.

Yet, here we are, witnessing a shocking disregard for these fundamental values.

Wahome’s record is riddled with allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which directly contravene Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.

How can we, as a nation, continue to allow such figures to hold positions of power?

It is a blatant insult to every Kenyan who believes in fair governance and the rule of law.

The reappointment of someone so deeply embroiled in corruption sends a disheartening message about the so-called reform efforts by President Ruto.

This supposed “clean-up” appears to be nothing more than a charade that is slowly undermining the very essence of our calls for accountability and reform.

In nations that truly uphold the rule of law, jokers like Wahome would be disqualified from any high office.

The fact that she is even considered for renomination speaks volumes about the President’s disregard for constitutional principles and ethical standards.

If the highest leader in office cannot adhere to the basic principles of the Constitution, then the respect for the rule of law in our country is nothing more than a farce.

This is not how you build a transparent and accountable government.

This is how you perpetuate a culture of corruption and impunity.

Why is President Ruto disrespecting the very Constitution he swore to uphold?

Prof. Fred Ogola is the CEO at African Health and Economic Institute and Director of the Institute of Strategy and Competitiveness