One of the corruption scandals which rocked President Uhuru Kenyatta’s first term is theft at the National Youth Service (NYS) to a tune of more than 700 Million. Kenyans have not forgotten. It is still fresh in the memories of many Kenyans.
The names Kabura and Waiguru became household names. The picture of wads of cash stuffed inside a sack still makes a mockery of taxpayers. The scandal almost managed to tarnish Uhuru Kenyatta’s name. The accusations and counter-accusations between those who were ensnared in the scandal only made it worse.
When Anne Waiguru (Now governor of Kirinyaga) denied having met Kabura, her alleged hairdresser, Kenyans thought they were being taken for granted.
As usual, netizens came up with memes and jokes on social media. Even the Dailies carried cartoons depicting the same. In the end, the lost money was never recovered.
Barely five months after Uhuru Kenyatta’s swearing-in as the President of Kenya following a hotly contested election, another scandal has hit the NYS. Money has been looted, again.
The only difference is that the players are not the same and the amount is far much higher compared to the previous scandal.
This comes at a time when the President is working on leaving a lasting legacy. He is keen on delivering on the agenda 4 plan. If Uhuru Kenyatta will not take a stern action against looters in the NYS scandal and any other corruption scandal that may prop up later, then he risks jeopardizing his legacy.
The NYS scandal is of much interest because of two things; One, it happened during his first term and the way he handled it was not pleasing. Many are of the opinion that he should have done better.
It, therefore, goes without saying that all eyes are on him. Kenyans want to see what he will do this time around. Will he also brush it away like he did with the first one? Will he put his warnings into actions and bring the looters to book? To act as an example to others? Will he live to his words,” It will be business unusual”?
Another reason why this scandal is of much interest is that it involves the youths. Many youths are idling at home. There are no enough jobs for them.
Youths make the biggest percentage of voters in Kenya. If the government will not bring the looters of NYS to the book, then the youths will not take it lightly. They will know that politicians use them during campaigns and then not only dump them after the polls but they also go ahead to steal their money.
The way Uhuru will handle this NYS scandal will either break or make his legacy. If he will let the looters go free, then the youths and the rest of Kenyans will never believe a word from him.
Kenyans will not appreciate any other good thing that he will do. He will retire as a president who let corruption to thrive under his watch. If at all he will be remembered in future, then he will be remembered as the President who milked Kenya dry.