Saturday, February 28, 2009

A new book about exiled Kenyan corruption whistle blower John Githongo is considered so potentially explosive that some major book shops in Nairobi are refusing to stock it.



Author Michela Wrong's expose looks set to cause further embarrassment to Kenya's public servants amid public anger at continued allegations of high-level corruption.



The title - It's Our Turn to Eat - may evoke thoughts of sitting down to lunch or dinner for most readers around the world. But in Kenya, this simple phrase is filled with sinister meaning that symbolises the rot crippling the East African country.


For years Kenyans have referred to corruption by the euphemism "eating". In the past, Kenya's resources were known as the "national cake", to be shared among its citizens by the government. Political power was seen as an opportunity, even duty, to "eat" as much of the national cake as they could, and share with those closest to them.


'Massive looting' Perhaps this was the inspiration for the phrase that would later grace the cover of a book about Mr Githongo, the man who tried to stop the "eating" going on at the very top table. Mr Githongo is described by Wrong as "a remarkable man who did something quite astounding".




A former adviser to President Mwai Kibaki, Mr Githongo fled to the UK in 2005 claiming that his life was in danger after accusing top government officials of "massive looting". A former journalist and the founding director of Transparency International-Kenya, Mr Githongo had earned himself a stellar reputation in the fight against corruption.



When he was appointed, many in the country believed he was the only man who could fight the deadly scourge. Instead, he faced decisions with huge personal consequences. And he was called a traitor and coward by the officials who had put him in that awkward position in the first place.

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