Corruption is Theft of Hope”: EACC Champions Human Dignity at 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day

By Bruno Aero 

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in collaboration with the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF), today spearheaded the national celebration of the 9th Edition of African Anti-Corruption Day at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Themed “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption,” this year’s event brought together leaders and stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors to reflect on the continent’s anti-corruption efforts and challenges.

African Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on July 11, was instituted by the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC). It serves as a continental reminder of the need for collective action in uprooting corruption and restoring integrity in governance. The 2025 theme underscored the link between corruption and human rights, emphasizing how graft undermines access to basic services and compromises human dignity.

In his keynote address, EACC CEO Mr. Abdi A. Mohamud described corruption as “a crime against humanity,” citing its impact on public trust, governance, and basic service delivery. “Corruption continues to stifle the economy, deny citizens access to healthcare, a clean environment, and other essential services. But most critically, it robs people of their dignity,” he said.

Mr. Mohamud reported that EACC had, over the past six years, recovered public assets worth Kes28 billion and prevented potential losses estimated at Kes42 billion. An additional Kes50 billion in suspected ill-gotten wealth is currently being pursued through active investigations and recovery processes.

A notable example shared was the recovery of a 60-acre parcel of grabbed public land, now earmarked for affordable housing projects to benefit residents of informal settlements. “This is not just about reclaiming land; it is about restoring dignity to communities and redirecting stolen wealth to serve the people,” Mr. Mohamud noted.

EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde stressed the importance of protecting national resources as a path to equitable development. “We aim to ensure every child has a future, every family has access to essential needs, and every citizen is treated with fairness and respect,” he said. He further called for reforms to empower oversight institutions and judicial independence, and praised Africa’s youth for demanding a culture of integrity.

The Chief Guest, former Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai, delivered a powerful speech condemning corruption as “a direct assault on human dignity.” He said, “Corruption is not just the theft of money; it is the theft of hope, the denial of dignity, and the erosion of citizenship. It tells people that access to jobs, justice, or healthcare is not a right but a privilege bought through bribes.”

Prof. Muigai emphasized that anti-corruption efforts must transcend institutions and laws, involving a whole-of-society approach. “Citizens are not spectators—they are the sovereigns. And every corrupt public official has a willing private accomplice. We all have a role,” he declared.

The event was coordinated by KLIF, a multi-sectoral forum with representation from 20 sectors including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, county governments, oversight agencies, civil society, media, faith-based organizations, and the private sector, with EACC serving as its Secretariat.

As Africa marks this day of reflection and renewal, the EACC urged Kenyans to report corruption and actively defend integrity. The rallying cry remains: protect dignity, uphold justice, and reclaim the future.