NAIROBI, Kenya- Corruption, a perennial thorn in Kenya’s governance, is once again under the spotlight, thanks to Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei’s bold and controversial proposal.
Drawing inspiration from China’s zero-tolerance approach, Cherargei suggests adopting public executions for those convicted of graft as a deterrent to the nation’s entrenched corruption issues.
Senator Cherargei’s proposition comes in the wake of reports that China recently executed a former state official for embezzling $412 million.
The senator argues that Kenya’s fight against corruption requires similarly drastic measures to dismantle what he terms the “corruption dragon” spanning national and county governments, the judiciary, and parliament.
“To eradicate corruption in Kenya, we must adopt the Chinese model of publicly executing the corrupt,” Cherargei declared, emphasizing that accountability and transparency are essential for equitable governance.
Such law however would be against Kenya’s constitution and basic human rights.
Interestingly, Cherargei credited the idea to Gen Z activists, who, during anti-government protests in June, advocated for bold steps against systemic graft. The senator believes the proposal aligns with the current administration’s commitment to tackling corruption.
Cherargei’s call for drastic measures comes just weeks after President William Ruto reiterated his administration’s dedication to rooting out corruption.
In his November State of the Nation Address, Ruto described the fight against graft as one of his most formidable challenges, urging independent institutions to step up their game.
“Corruption undermines social justice, national security, and sustainable development,” the President warned, pledging to foster collaboration between the judiciary, parliament, and other arms of government.
Initiatives such as digitization and automation, he argued, would enhance transparency and efficiency.
Ruto also criticized the lackluster performance of anti-graft bodies, stating, “These measures will succeed only if institutions stop hiding behind the guise of independence.”
While Cherargei views public executions as a practical solution under the current administration, critics may find the proposal at odds with Kenya’s constitutional and human rights frameworks.
