Speed up the fight against corruption, Nzimbi urges
By NZAU MUSAU

Kenya Times, Kenya
July 9 2006

THE Anglican Church yesterday said it was not impressed with the pace
at which the Government was pursuing the war against corruption.

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi said the church was disappointed to see that
the war against graft had slackened, three years after it picked up.

"As a Church, we are pained to see how the war on corruption has
lost momentum . We began with a lot of enthusiasm and we wonder what
happened," Nzimbi said.

The Archbishop was speaking to the Kenya Times after he confirmed
11 church faithful of St Augustine Church in Nairobi. He said the
manifestation of the graft was coming in many forms which were hurting
the nation.

He challenged the Government to to face graft squarely because
Kenyans were suffering and keenly watching the Government they had
popularly elected.

"The more this government delays, the more other issues arise. This
does not however, mean that we have forgotten about outstanding
issues like the Goldenberg, the Ndung’u report and the Anglo Leasing
scandals. We are still looking forward to see concrete action being
taken," Nzimbi said.

The Archbishop petitioned the Government to pay special attention
to North Eastern Province to curb killings caused by many years of
neglect of the by successive governments. He urged the Government
to supply the area with water and improve infrastructure. He also
called for the opening of a Kenya Meat Commission branch in North
Eastern Province to support the economic activities of the people
and to open up the area for commerce.

He challenged older people in leadership positions in government,
Parliament and even in homes to prepare the young to take over instead
of viewing them with suspicion.

"It is very important for those in leadership to hand over peacefully
and smoothly to the young. It is not any good to cling on in old age,"
Nzimbi who did not want to name names said.

Although he would not comment on the Armenian brothers saga, Nzimbi
said the church was not happy with the handling of the issue.