Societal Institutions Should be Addressed as Root Cause of Corruption
By Ms. Teresia Muia
The auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Nairobi, Right Revered Simon Peter Kamomoe, suggests a fundamental shift in the anti-corruption battle. He stresses the need to target societal roots at family, school, and church levels. This call to action comes during the Faith Practice Conference on combating corruption, organized by the Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC) in collaboration with the interreligious council of Kenya (IRCK) and the Catholic justice and peace department (CJPD).
Hundreds of Kenyans, representing diverse backgrounds and interests, converged at the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) on May 7th and 8th, 2024, for the two-day conference. Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Hon. Kivutha Kibwana, the former governor of Makueni county, and Dr. F.S. Abdalla, the vice chair of the interreligious council of Kenya (IRCK)
Speaking during this conference, Rt. Rev Kamomoe invites Kenyans to stop focusing on the product of corruption but dwell on its cause at the different societal institutions highlighting family as the most basic. “The formation of conscience starts in the family level and that’s where some people learn corruption.” Says the bishop.
The man of God says parents have a duty to instill good morals in their children because they represent the future of the nation. He cautioned parents against exchanging favors for their children’s obedience, stressing that obedience is a fundamental duty of children. “This is how they learn to be corrupt,’’ remarks the Catholic bishop, urging parents to demonstrate responsible behavior and serve as positive role models for their children.
Bishop Kamomoe also pointed at how other institutions like schools and churches have contributed to developing the culture of corruption in the country. He urged everyone to take responsibility in fighting the vice and be guided by the religious virtues we claim to value as a nation. “If we are worshipping the true God, then he should transform our hearts and if that is not the case, then that is our personal god and he is dead.’’ concluded the bishop.
As the nation navigates its anti-corruption journey, the words of Bishop Kamomoe serve as a beacon of hope, guiding citizens towards a future built on transparency, justice, and moral strength.
