The Cabinet must not be allowed to mutilate and emasculate the Leadership and Integrity Bill. The bill, which seeks to set standards for those seeking elective posts or appointments into public office, had proposed several measures to bar corrupt individuals from buying their way into politics.

It also sought to ensure that public officials served with integrity and did not seek appointments only to enrich themselves at the expense of Kenyans.

Other proposals would have seen aspirants and potential appointees to public office submit themselves for vetting by, among others, the EACC and the NSIS. Public officers were also to be barred from engaging in any other form of gainful employment. It is outrageous that all these clauses were deleted or amended by the Cabinet. As it is, the emasculated bill is contrary to the spirit and principle of Chapter Six of the constitution.

The Cabinet decision reveals yet again the lack of political will and desire to reform. We urge Parliament to reject the 'watered down' bill when it is presented for debate. Kenyans must lobby their MPs and hold each of them individually accountable if they pass the 'deformed' bill without making the changes that give it meaning and purpose.

Quote of the day: " I would rather die standing up, than live life on my knees." Emiliano Zapata, a Mexican revolutionary and champion of agrarianism who is still revered as a hero in Mexico, was born on August 8, 1879.