'No mercy for the thieves' in Kenya graft scandal- President Kenyatta

"There will be no mercy for the thieves," Kenya's president announced on Wednesday amid a growing corruption scandal as diplomats representing 18 Western countries including the United States urged strong action against graft.

President Uhuru Kenyatta spoke a day after 24 officials were charged with corruption-related offenses in a probe linked to the alleged diversion of nearly $80m.

The government will spare no effort to recover all of the money, Kenyatta said. As for those to blame, "their days are numbered. They will be prosecuted and jailed."

Kenya's leader is under increasing pressure as outrage grows over a number of corruption scandals revealed in recent weeks around the ministries of health, energy, agriculture, public service and youth.

Kenyatta has long been criticised for not acting against corrupt officials despite numerous vows to crack down.

In a statement, the 18 Western diplomats urged strong political leadership and zero tolerance for graft.

"When there is evidence of corruption, those responsible should be prosecuted regardless of political party, social stature or personal connections," the diplomats said.

SOURCE: NEWS24
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