For Felix Koskei, the war on graft isn't just about handcuffs and courtrooms—it is about making theft socially repulsive.

The Head of Public Service has issued a stark challenge to the nation, asserting that the fight against corruption will remain unwinnable until the vice is rendered not just illegal, but deeply shameful and "unfashionable" in the eyes of the public.

The Cost of Silence

In a direct appeal to the national conscience via his official X platform, President William Ruto’s Chief of Staff warned that the status quo is unsustainable. For the average Kenyan, this is not an abstract debate; it is the difference between stocked hospital shelves and empty clinics, or paved roads and potholes.

Koskei argued that societal tolerance is the oxygen that keeps corruption alive. “We must reach a point where no one even considers engaging in corruption, let alone proceeds to do so,” he stated. “This requires courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment from every Kenyan.”

The Citizen’s Playbook

Moving beyond rhetoric, the Chief of Staff outlined a tactical, three-pronged approach for citizens to reclaim public integrity:

• Interrupt: Do not be a passive observer. Koskei urged Kenyans to question suspicious actions and challenge unethical behavior the moment it manifests.
• Disrupt: Utilize established legal channels. The public must actively report incidents to oversight mechanisms rather than resigning themselves to the 'normality' of bribes.
• Stop: Resist the urge to compromise. This involves a personal refusal to participate in corrupt deals, regardless of the convenience or pressure.

Restoring Institutional Trust

While placing the onus on the citizenry, Koskei acknowledged that the government holds the ultimate responsibility for enforcement. He reaffirmed the administration's commitment to protecting lawful whistleblowers—a critical assurance in a country where those who speak up have often faced retaliation.

By strengthening oversight bodies and inviting public participation, the state aims to bridge the widening trust gap between the government and the governed. For Koskei, the endgame is clear: a society where integrity is the currency of honor, and corruption is a badge of disgrace.