Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen lately caused controversy on the social media when he called for lifestyle audit to be conducted to all public servants and state officers.
Murkomen called for accountability and encouraged the implementation of competent audits to fight graft. His statements were however followed by a lot of criticism and negative publicity from the general public.
Murkomen’s proposal for lifestyle audits come when there are increasing concern in Kenya on instances of corruption within the government. He stressed the need for all politicians to be investigated on their affluence and luxurious lifestyle in order to account for their income.
Such measures are necessary in repairing the dwindling trust of the public in the government and ensuring that leaders embrace the right measures. Despite such noble sentiments as may have informed Murkomen’s statement, many Kenyans flooded the social media platforms with expressions of skepticism.
Netizens did not disappoint and the reactions were sharp and direct, challenging the authenticity and implementation of the proposed audits. This skepticism is however well founded given the fact that past governments have failed to deliver on their promises or even be perceived to be fighting corruption.
Pundits claim that for lifestyle audits to be effective, they should be fair and non-discriminative, and should include all individuals, including heads of states. In addition, it also demands that action plans and reforms be undertaken alongside the audits for shutting the holes that enabled corrupt practices.