Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu says corrupt individuals in Kenya should invest their stolen loot in the country.
Speaking during the launch of Transparency International Kenya’s Strategic Plan for 2023-28 AG Gathungu said there should be a campaign encouraging corrupt people to invest money in Kenya, especially if they manage to get away with it.
“Steal it in Kenya, invest it in Kenya. I may sound like I am saying this in jest but I am very serious about it,” she said in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 21.
Gathungu said the proposal may sound absurd but it could perhaps lead to more development in Kenya.
“…later we can ask the question where did you get the money from?” she said.
AG Gathungu noted that illicit financial flows have affected Kenya and other developing nations in Africa.
“This is an area where auditor generals in the region came together and recognised as a threat to the development of our nations, service provision and democracy and peace,” she said.
“The question therefore would be, if there was no safe space to hide or to invest and thereby give legitimacy or laundry services to illicit financial flows, where would this money be kept?” she posed.
Ms Gathungu said this completely robs countries and citizens of development.
The Auditor general also lauded Transparency International for the launch of their five-year strategic plan, saying it will help to create a corruption-free society.
“The successful achievement of your mandate as Transparency International contributes to the achievement of my mandate and vice versa for the greater good of our country,” she said.
