Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has warned county staff against engaging in acts of corruption, saying perpetrators should be ready to carry their own cross.
She said her administration will not tolerate corruption as it seeks to enhance efficiency in service delivery and prudent use of public resources.
The county boss sounded a warning shot to those who will be found culpable that stern action will be taken against them, including dismissal and prosecution.
She said no one will be spared in the fight that has gained momentum following the formation of the Corruption Prevention Committee (CPC) spearheaded by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Speaking during a consultative committee meeting with EACC officials led by Commissioner Col. (Rtd) Alfred Mshimba, Governor Mbarire said every county staff member should be ready to take ownership for whatever action they take at an individual level.
“Please ensure you do the right thing and ensure you render services without seeking bribes because we are going to take serious actions against such acts by any government officer going forward,” she cautioned.
She said some of the key sectors they will take keen focus on where corruption thrives include revenue collection and health.
The Governor also announced plans to introduce a hotline line number and the establishment of suggestion boxes for reporting incidents of corruption.
Commissioner Mshimba said CPCs will be crucial in decentralisation of the fight against graft in all the devolved units, ultimately contributing to the overall and broader mission of EACC of preventing corruption.
“We want to bring anti-corruption prevention efforts to the counties to make them more responsive and effective at the local level,” he said.
He said Embu was the second county after Makueni where they have held consultative meetings with a view of establishing CPCs and will continue with the rest to bolster the war on graft.
By Samuel Waititu
