Former Machakos senator Johnstone Muthama has explained by governors are engaging in the theft of public resources.
Speaking to members of the press on Monday, the outspoken politician said that the county bosses were engaging in corruption because individuals in the top echelons of the central government were also engaging in the vice.
"If the governor found that cabinet secretaries are not stealing, permanent secretaries are not stealing, and those in the top echelons of the government are not stealing public resources, the governors would not have stolen (Kama magavana wangekuta mawaziri hawaibi, makatibu hawaibi, wale wakuu waserikali hawachukui mali ya umma wale magavana hawangeiba, " the former legislator said.
Muthama contended that the country was moving in the wrong direction and called for a principled leadership, rubbishing claims that changing Kenya's governance structure would solve the country's problems.
His words come amid corruption allegations leveled against a number of county bosses.
Among governors grappling with graft charges is Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, who has been barred from accessing his office for the duration of the lawsuit against him.
Samburu governor Moses Lenolkulal was arraigned in court this year to face charges of corruption and abuse of office.
Former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero has been in and out of police custody over corruption perpetrated during his tenure.