Kenya’s future depends on dismantling the culture of impunity that allows discredited leaders to perpetuate corruption, political violence, and governance failures, a prominent human rights defender has warned.
Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity, a counselor and former Secretary General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, emphasized that Kenya’s persistent suffering—marked by rampant corruption, extrajudicial killings, abductions, and mysterious political murders—stems from its failure to hold political elites accountable for past and present crimes.
“When Kenyans fully understand the destructive force of impunity, it will spark a national awakening and pave the way for redemption,” Dr. Kinity said in a statement to newsrooms.
Dr. Kinity argued that impunity, fueled by a political system that recycles tainted leaders across regimes, enables economic plunder, political assassinations, and human rights abuses to persist with little consequence. He pointed to historical cases like the unresolved murders of JM Kariuki and Tom Mboya, as well as more recent incidents, such as the 2013 disappearances of Dickson Bogonko Bosire and Albert Muriuki, the 2017 killing of electoral official Christopher Chege Msando, and the 2016 murder of businessman Jacob Juma. The discovery of bodies in the Yala River in recent years further underscores the ongoing crisis, he noted.
“Those responsible for these heinous acts are likely still alive and thriving in Kenya,” Dr. Kinity said. “The failure to address these crimes has emboldened perpetrators, fostering an environment where corruption and political violence flourish unchallenged.”
High-profile corruption scandals, where billions of shillings were allegedly misappropriated, often collapse due to witness tampering and political interference, Dr. Kinity observed. Similarly, allegations of extrajudicial killings and abductions under President William Ruto’s administration remain unaddressed, with civil society groups accusing the government of fostering a “police state.”
Members of Parliament recently approved cabinet nominees who did not meet constitutional vetting standards, openly ignoring established protocols. The National Assembly ICT Committee recommended reassigning Isaboke from the ICT Ministry after taking office due to a conflict of interest, while Hannah Cheptumo, appointed to the Gender Ministry, was deemed capable of “learning on the job.”
President Ruto, elected in 2022 on an anti-corruption platform with promises to send the corrupt to “jail or heaven,” has faced criticism for appointing individuals under investigation for graft to key roles. A 2023 report flagged the Kenya Kwanza government for bypassing constitutional integrity standards in its appointments.
Dr. Kinity questioned how leaders complicit in past crimes could deliver justice. “Recycling figures from brutal and corrupt regimes—such as those who held authority during the administrations of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto—ensures impunity persists,” he said. “How can they prosecute their former allies for corruption or atrocities?”
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has defended Ruto’s reform agenda, emphasizing in 2022 the goal to “reverse state capture” and serve all Kenyans. However, Ichung’wah and Ruto aide Farouk Kibet faced backlash in November 2024 for donating Sh5 million to a West Pokot church, dismissing clergy concerns about political influence through such contributions.
Religious and civil society leaders have amplified calls for accountability. In November 2024, Catholic bishops accused Ruto’s government of perpetuating a “culture of lies” and failing to curb corruption and human rights abuses. Civil society groups identified impunity and constitutional violations as Kenya’s greatest challenges.
Dr. Kinity urged Kenyans to reject the notion that only current leaders are capable of governing. “God foresaw Kenya’s struggles long ago and likely anointed a leader untainted by the nation’s mess,” he said, drawing a biblical parallel to David’s anointment before leading Israel. “Kenyans must stop seeking leaders among those responsible for their suffering and open their hearts to divine guidance for true change.”
The youth-led anti-tax protests of 2024, which forced Ruto to scrap a finance bill and reshuffle his cabinet, signal a growing demand for accountability. Dr. Kinity framed the choice facing Kenyans starkly: “Continue enduring brutalization and impoverishment by recycling corrupt leaders, or reject them to build a just and prosperous Kenya.”
