The rate at which high profile corruption cases are being dropped by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), would make one think we have adopted Pharrell and Snoop Dog’s rendition of Drop it like it’s hot as our national anthem.

These cases all start the same. First, is a highly publicized arrest of individuals followed by court appearances, where suspects sit in the dock looking dejected and defeated.

A judge reads the charges next and our actors take plea. The next time we hear of this case is when it has been withdrawn based on insufficient evidence.

The recent episode in this series featured former Bahati MP, now Lands Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Kimani Ngunjiri’s daughter. Ms Edith Kimani served as the chief officer for trade in Nakuru’s first Governor Kinuthia Mbugua’s administration.

Recently, the anti-corruption agency arrested her and seven others, for allegedly colluding to steal public funds meant for construction of market sheds in Nakuru.

The market in question is Kiratina market that now houses dilapidated structures and was since abandoned by its intended users.

Barely two months after the eight took plea, the DPP dropped charges against Ms Kimani. A person who was the accounting officer, whose signature must be appended on any money related document ,even one seeking to purchase a pen, was found blameless, without blemish.

Well the bible says a good name is better than riches. It seems a good name shortens the proverbial long arm of the law.

So what is the fate of those who lack a good name in this film you may ask? Well they must be law abiding citizens.

They must be guided by Eric Wainaina’s Daima Mkenya song if in search of inspiration to be patriotic because for them, once caught by that long arm, it doesn’t let go.

Corruption cases do not favour the common man

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