One of the promises that the Kibaki government made in the run-up to the 2002 election, was that they would enact bills which would aid Kenyans of conscience in fighting corruption. It is clear to even the regime's most passionate supporters, that on the governmental level at least, the urgency is lost and that war has been regelated to the back burner.

Reading the reports on the whistleblowers exposition site at WikiLeaks , shows that Kenyans are both eager to help and are in possession of information on those who stole and are stealing from us. These Kenyans want to share this information, and are determined that such information is made available to the public. The goal of the whistleblower is however, not merely to expose. They do so in the hope that once the facts are out, the rest of society will demand that those institutions given the mandate to fight corruption do something about the allegations, i.e. investigate them and act on the findings of that effort.

David Munyakei

A cursory look at the several big scandals that have been exposed by ordinary citizens leads us to the realisation that far too often these altrusistic Kenyans have paid a hefty personal price for their determination. In the case of the massive Goldernberg (export earnings) scandal, the whistleblower David Munyakei was relieved from his clerical duties at the Central Bank, illegally detained at police cells and died a poor man leaving his wife and childern in dire straits. Even as we go to the elections, and with all its main political villains already rehabilitated, the ghost of Anglo-Leasing leaves John Githongo exiled to foreign shores, unable to return to his country for fear for his life. Charter House's -wikileak page here - valiant accountants are also exiled, in the USA under a witness protection programme. Most recently, the whistleblower on the Egerton Payroll fraud was fired from his job, even as the case continues to stay unknown to the wider public and like all the above cases, its perpetrators immune to justice.

The potential whistleblower is thus presented with an intractable dilemma. On the one hand his conscience assails him, he must speak out. On the other hand, his altruism seems unappreciated as society and the palaces of justice ignore his efforts, and those he exposes can carry on with impunity. In the meantime, the valiant Kenyan's life falls apart about him, which tragedy itself serves to perpetuate corruption as potential whistleblowers are put off speaking out.

It is our duty now, as responsible citizens to urge parliament to enact a witness protection bill- taking care not just of physical safety- but also financial security- before the end its term. This is a most urgent issue that every responsible Kenyan of whichever political dispensation should feel most passionate about. We cannot continue to watch those that care enough to Do the Right Thing suffer while the villians enjoy their freedom and the benefits of their greed.

I invoke the names of David Munyakei, of Natali Lagat, of John Githongo, of the employee at Egerton and the redoubtable Charter House accountants. In their name may we reward the sacrifices that their consciences persuaded them to make, and may they and their families never walk alone. Parliament must now put it in stone, that the State is compelled to care for those who have put everything they have on the line, that we may gain freedom from the tyranny of greed.

Other Kenyan files on wikileaks-

Charter House

Ndungu Report

Maasai Mara Land Grab