When the Ndegwa Commission Report was released to parliament in 1974, 3 years after it was written, Burudi Nabwera termed it ‘a cancer which will systematically destroy this country’.
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Corruption had now been officially sanctioned.
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sde.co.ke/thenairobian/a…
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Corruption had now been officially sanctioned.
----A Thread----
sde.co.ke/thenairobian/a…
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"The 1971 Ndegwa Commission legitimised something that had already started to happen and which led ministers and government people to use all manner of means to earn some money."--John Githongo
Report of the Commission of Inquiry 1970 -71 👇🏿👇🏿👇🏿
kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/C…
"The 1971 Ndegwa Commission legitimised something that had already started to happen and which led ministers and government people to use all manner of means to earn some money."--John Githongo
Report of the Commission of Inquiry 1970 -71 👇🏿👇🏿👇🏿
kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/C…
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In due course, govt offices became epicentres of crime featuring coats draped over chairs, hushed conversations, streams of visitors and as Charles Hornsby in Kenya: A History Since Independence puts it “Government stamps and licensed became commercialised…”
In due course, govt offices became epicentres of crime featuring coats draped over chairs, hushed conversations, streams of visitors and as Charles Hornsby in Kenya: A History Since Independence puts it “Government stamps and licensed became commercialised…”
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The origins
In pre-independence Kenya, corruption was the preserve of colonial officers, loyalists and the 25,000-strong home guard, and was perpetrated on the natives.
The home guards, eager to please, were particularly corrupt and brutal.
The origins
In pre-independence Kenya, corruption was the preserve of colonial officers, loyalists and the 25,000-strong home guard, and was perpetrated on the natives.
The home guards, eager to please, were particularly corrupt and brutal.
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Atieno Odhiambo & Semakula Kiwanuka describe colonial chiefs as being corrupt, inefficient & tyrannical, and as blatant collaborators, swindlers and self-seekers who oppressed their African people in an endeavor to promote colonialism and themselves.
jstor.org/stable/2432851…
Atieno Odhiambo & Semakula Kiwanuka describe colonial chiefs as being corrupt, inefficient & tyrannical, and as blatant collaborators, swindlers and self-seekers who oppressed their African people in an endeavor to promote colonialism and themselves.
jstor.org/stable/2432851…
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The Kings African Rifles (KAR) were however the masters of atrocity. Presented with one goat by Chief Petro Njeru of Chuka in June 1953 instead of the three they requested for, they went about massacring 22 of the chief's Home Guards in retaliation.
ascleiden.nl/pdf/paper2005-…
The Kings African Rifles (KAR) were however the masters of atrocity. Presented with one goat by Chief Petro Njeru of Chuka in June 1953 instead of the three they requested for, they went about massacring 22 of the chief's Home Guards in retaliation.
ascleiden.nl/pdf/paper2005-…
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The 1955 Mbotela and Ofafa project turned out to be the biggest colonial-era corruption scandal. The project was riddled with kickbacks, inflated costs, and low quality materials and workmanship, and it became the template for post-colonial city hall.
standardmedia.co.ke/article/200132…
The 1955 Mbotela and Ofafa project turned out to be the biggest colonial-era corruption scandal. The project was riddled with kickbacks, inflated costs, and low quality materials and workmanship, and it became the template for post-colonial city hall.
standardmedia.co.ke/article/200132…
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Everyone was involved - from the asian contractors to the city mayor, Israel Somen, to engineer Harold Whipp.
Whipp, under investigation for rampant acts of corruption including fiddling with his own water meter, committed suicide before he was fired.
Israel Somen
Everyone was involved - from the asian contractors to the city mayor, Israel Somen, to engineer Harold Whipp.
Whipp, under investigation for rampant acts of corruption including fiddling with his own water meter, committed suicide before he was fired.
Israel Somen
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Off to the races:
One of the first things Kenyatta did after becoming Prime Minister was to order a Rolls Royce from London without any budgetary provisions or personal intent to pay.
Never mind that the nation was broke and couldn't afford it
theelephant.info/data-stories/2…
Off to the races:
One of the first things Kenyatta did after becoming Prime Minister was to order a Rolls Royce from London without any budgetary provisions or personal intent to pay.
Never mind that the nation was broke and couldn't afford it
theelephant.info/data-stories/2…
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This, however, did not stop him from summoning first Nairobi mayor Charles Rubia after hearing that the mayor planned to purchase a Rolls Royce for the princely sum of Sh217,000.
Rubia later resigned and was replaced by Lugonzo then Margaret Kenyatta
nation.co.ke/news/How-we-en…
This, however, did not stop him from summoning first Nairobi mayor Charles Rubia after hearing that the mayor planned to purchase a Rolls Royce for the princely sum of Sh217,000.
Rubia later resigned and was replaced by Lugonzo then Margaret Kenyatta
nation.co.ke/news/How-we-en…
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The first major corruption scandal involved maize.
Minister Paul Ngei (Kapenguria 5) was accused of smuggling & overseeing the export of surplus maize resulting in shortages in 1964-65 that led to importation of yellow maize from the United States.
standardmedia.co.ke/business/artic…
The first major corruption scandal involved maize.
Minister Paul Ngei (Kapenguria 5) was accused of smuggling & overseeing the export of surplus maize resulting in shortages in 1964-65 that led to importation of yellow maize from the United States.
standardmedia.co.ke/business/artic…
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Ngei later resigned & his ministry disbanded
He also held the record for the longest test drive in history when in 1971 he drove off with a Mercedes Benz from DT Dobie that he never paid for
He was after all only emulating the 'father of the nation'
telegraph.co.uk/news/obituarie…
Ngei later resigned & his ministry disbanded
He also held the record for the longest test drive in history when in 1971 he drove off with a Mercedes Benz from DT Dobie that he never paid for
He was after all only emulating the 'father of the nation'
telegraph.co.uk/news/obituarie…
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Kenyatta’s favourite charity was the Gatundu Self-Help Hospital. During the 60s and 70s, visitors of consequence were expected to donate to the hospital and hundreds of fundraisers were held for it.
The joke was that it was for his "self-help"
webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache…
Kenyatta’s favourite charity was the Gatundu Self-Help Hospital. During the 60s and 70s, visitors of consequence were expected to donate to the hospital and hundreds of fundraisers were held for it.
The joke was that it was for his "self-help"
webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache…
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The level of acquisitiveness right after independence was unprecedented. Politicians, ministers, provincial commissioners were grabbing property, shares, anything within reach.
It was during this time that Trade Minister Dr Julius Kiano acquired the moniker Mr Ten Percent.
The level of acquisitiveness right after independence was unprecedented. Politicians, ministers, provincial commissioners were grabbing property, shares, anything within reach.
It was during this time that Trade Minister Dr Julius Kiano acquired the moniker Mr Ten Percent.
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So voracious and endemic was the feeding frenzy by government functionaries that Malcolm Mcdonald, last Governor of Kenya (and who presided over pre-independence corruption) had this to say in 1972:
webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache…
So voracious and endemic was the feeding frenzy by government functionaries that Malcolm Mcdonald, last Governor of Kenya (and who presided over pre-independence corruption) had this to say in 1972:
webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache…
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In 1967, beach plots were all the rage and could only be allocated by PC Eliud Mahihu with the president's approval.
A list of owners included the who's who and nouveau riche of the nation
->Power and the Presidency in Kenya: The Jomo Kenyatta Years By Anaïs Angelo
In 1967, beach plots were all the rage and could only be allocated by PC Eliud Mahihu with the president's approval.
A list of owners included the who's who and nouveau riche of the nation
->Power and the Presidency in Kenya: The Jomo Kenyatta Years By Anaïs Angelo
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A letter by PC Isaiah Mathenge to the commissioner of lands exemplifies the beginnings of trolling land records for expiring leases then pouncing on them, a nefarious and common practice these days
Also alludes to a sight, point and own approach to land acquisition.
A letter by PC Isaiah Mathenge to the commissioner of lands exemplifies the beginnings of trolling land records for expiring leases then pouncing on them, a nefarious and common practice these days
Also alludes to a sight, point and own approach to land acquisition.
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The Scramble
John Kamau's Seeds of Discord in 2009 details how Mahihu pushed for the allocation of 9.056 acres of beach plot in Nyali for Kenyatta, 10 acres to himself and approval of the purchase of 320 acres for Sh175K in Shimoni for Mathenge.
businessdailyafrica.com/blob/view/-/68…
The Scramble
John Kamau's Seeds of Discord in 2009 details how Mahihu pushed for the allocation of 9.056 acres of beach plot in Nyali for Kenyatta, 10 acres to himself and approval of the purchase of 320 acres for Sh175K in Shimoni for Mathenge.
businessdailyafrica.com/blob/view/-/68…
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In 1975, a Sunday Times exposé revealed that Mama Ngina had built two beach hotels, Jomo had built Leopard Beach Hotel, Mahihu owned Bahari Beach, Mathenge owned Coral Beach and Eliud Wamae had Kenya Beach & Ngong Hills Hotel and Michuki had partnered with the Germans.
In 1975, a Sunday Times exposé revealed that Mama Ngina had built two beach hotels, Jomo had built Leopard Beach Hotel, Mahihu owned Bahari Beach, Mathenge owned Coral Beach and Eliud Wamae had Kenya Beach & Ngong Hills Hotel and Michuki had partnered with the Germans.
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Matunda ya Uhuru
In Seeds of Discord, the Business Daily listed thousands of acres purchased by the elites from settlers e.g Kenyatta (687 acres), Moi (2,344), Peter Muigai Kenyatta (1,934), EK Bomet (972), Masinde Muliro (2,829), JM Kariuki (808)
businessdailyafrica.com/blob/view/-/68…
Matunda ya Uhuru
In Seeds of Discord, the Business Daily listed thousands of acres purchased by the elites from settlers e.g Kenyatta (687 acres), Moi (2,344), Peter Muigai Kenyatta (1,934), EK Bomet (972), Masinde Muliro (2,829), JM Kariuki (808)
businessdailyafrica.com/blob/view/-/68…
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Poaching riches
Before 1970, Kenya exported 20,000lbs of ivory a year representing 500 elephants. By 1973, exports were up to 900,000lbs representing over 15K elephants. The elephant population subsequently fell from 150K before 1970 to 15K by 1989
nytimes.com/1975/09/22/arc…
Poaching riches
Before 1970, Kenya exported 20,000lbs of ivory a year representing 500 elephants. By 1973, exports were up to 900,000lbs representing over 15K elephants. The elephant population subsequently fell from 150K before 1970 to 15K by 1989
nytimes.com/1975/09/22/arc…
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By the time a sports hunting ban was issued in 1977, thousands of elephants, rhinos, zebra and colobus monkeys had been decimated and millions of pounds minted by govt officials.
With a kilo of ivory going for $30 a kilo, each elephant was worth a small fortune.
By the time a sports hunting ban was issued in 1977, thousands of elephants, rhinos, zebra and colobus monkeys had been decimated and millions of pounds minted by govt officials.
With a kilo of ivory going for $30 a kilo, each elephant was worth a small fortune.
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Scaling things:
In 1978, the first major tender fraud involving the £25mn JKIA expansion plan took centre stage. So lucrative were the kickbacks that one civil servant involved in the scheme was able to retire comfortably thereafter.
This was the precursor to grand theft.
Scaling things:
In 1978, the first major tender fraud involving the £25mn JKIA expansion plan took centre stage. So lucrative were the kickbacks that one civil servant involved in the scheme was able to retire comfortably thereafter.
This was the precursor to grand theft.
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Nyayo Era
With most large tracts of land allocated, herds of elephants decimated, private corporations “owned”, the Moi government turned to other means – massive kickbacks, state corporation mismanagement, sale of land to government and looting at a scale never seen before.
Nyayo Era
With most large tracts of land allocated, herds of elephants decimated, private corporations “owned”, the Moi government turned to other means – massive kickbacks, state corporation mismanagement, sale of land to government and looting at a scale never seen before.
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By 1982, Stanley Oloitiptip, a well-connected Cabinet Minister was quoted as declaring that “I’ve got money. I don’t sell chicken. I am able to spend Sh150mn on for the marriage of my son. I have six cars, 12 wives and 37 children”
The era of discretion was now behind us.
By 1982, Stanley Oloitiptip, a well-connected Cabinet Minister was quoted as declaring that “I’ve got money. I don’t sell chicken. I am able to spend Sh150mn on for the marriage of my son. I have six cars, 12 wives and 37 children”
The era of discretion was now behind us.
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The dubious honour of the corporation that most facilitated this plunder goes to NSSF. Between 1990 and 1995, NSSF spent up to Sh30bn purchasing developed and undeveloped plots and other land of little or no value in various parts of the country.
learning.uonbi.ac.ke/courses/GPR203…
The dubious honour of the corporation that most facilitated this plunder goes to NSSF. Between 1990 and 1995, NSSF spent up to Sh30bn purchasing developed and undeveloped plots and other land of little or no value in various parts of the country.
learning.uonbi.ac.ke/courses/GPR203…
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Another spectacle was the allocation of 839.7ha of land in Mavoko to the Numerical Machining Complex (remember the Nyayo Pioneer?). Within weeks, the NSSF had purchased 136.5ha of that land at Sh268mn, more than 8.5X the assessed value.
learning.uonbi.ac.ke/courses/GPR203…
Another spectacle was the allocation of 839.7ha of land in Mavoko to the Numerical Machining Complex (remember the Nyayo Pioneer?). Within weeks, the NSSF had purchased 136.5ha of that land at Sh268mn, more than 8.5X the assessed value.
learning.uonbi.ac.ke/courses/GPR203…
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The high water mark of the Nyayo era was of course the Goldenberg scandal that cost the country almost 15% of GDP. Then there was the Turkwel dam scandal where, just like Arror and Kimwarer, billions disappeared into thin air with no dam in sight.
nation.co.ke/news/Turkwel-d…
The high water mark of the Nyayo era was of course the Goldenberg scandal that cost the country almost 15% of GDP. Then there was the Turkwel dam scandal where, just like Arror and Kimwarer, billions disappeared into thin air with no dam in sight.
nation.co.ke/news/Turkwel-d…
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The Kenya Food and Chemical Corp of Kisumu, more commonly known as the Kisumu Molasses Project is an example of how State corporations were mismanaged and ended up in receivership. Land for the project was compulsorily acquired by the government in 1976 at Ksh 4m
The Kenya Food and Chemical Corp of Kisumu, more commonly known as the Kisumu Molasses Project is an example of how State corporations were mismanaged and ended up in receivership. Land for the project was compulsorily acquired by the government in 1976 at Ksh 4m
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The project then stalled in 1980 after hundreds of millions of shillings had been sunk into it. In 2001, the then Commissioner of Lands, S.S.K. Mwaita, illegally allocated the 112 hectares of the land meant for the corporation to Spectre International Limited. for Sh3.7mn
The project then stalled in 1980 after hundreds of millions of shillings had been sunk into it. In 2001, the then Commissioner of Lands, S.S.K. Mwaita, illegally allocated the 112 hectares of the land meant for the corporation to Spectre International Limited. for Sh3.7mn
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"Troon came up with a theory that senior government ministers and officials demanded bribes via intermediaries to allow the project to rehabilitate molasses processing plant in Kisumu to go forward. When they didn’t get them they blocked the project"
the-star.co.ke/opinion/2020-0…
"Troon came up with a theory that senior government ministers and officials demanded bribes via intermediaries to allow the project to rehabilitate molasses processing plant in Kisumu to go forward. When they didn’t get them they blocked the project"
the-star.co.ke/opinion/2020-0…
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Kenyatta is said to have told Bildad Kaggia in 1965 that, “Look at Kungu Karumba. He has invested in buses and has earned money but what have you done for yourself since independence?” (in Bayart 1993: 242)
Kaggia had become disillusioned by endemic corruption in government.
Kenyatta is said to have told Bildad Kaggia in 1965 that, “Look at Kungu Karumba. He has invested in buses and has earned money but what have you done for yourself since independence?” (in Bayart 1993: 242)
Kaggia had become disillusioned by endemic corruption in government.
The Wabenzi as John Kamau called them in 2013, have been on a long winning streak.
"One characteristic of the Wabenzis in Kenya was - and is - that they use taxpayers' money to live large. They love the thrill that accompanies this power status"
aljazeera.com/indepth/opinio…
"One characteristic of the Wabenzis in Kenya was - and is - that they use taxpayers' money to live large. They love the thrill that accompanies this power status"
aljazeera.com/indepth/opinio…
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"land transactions continued to create a new class of propertied families. In the heat of the moment, the purchase of land became political and only those who had the right information prospered."
--Seeds of Discord, Business Daily, Nov 2009
The New Happy Valley had arrived
"land transactions continued to create a new class of propertied families. In the heat of the moment, the purchase of land became political and only those who had the right information prospered."
--Seeds of Discord, Business Daily, Nov 2009
The New Happy Valley had arrived
