Editorial Cartoons

Note for the folks at home: Of all the societal problems decried by Kenyans, corruption is the most popular. The practice of "taking a little off the top", to Kenyans, is simultaneously the most abhorred of crimes as well as a recognizably common practice. It's normally taken for granted by regular citizens that those with the most power --- the politicians --- must be acquiring some wealth through unsavory means. The stain of corruption, however, isn't said to stop there. Regular news reports tell of policemen and policewomen taking bribes from drivers to overlook safety and license checks... indeed, the practice of paying "kitu kidogo" ("something small") to law authorities is common enough to be seen as an everyday occurrence. Asked about the state of corruption back in America, I reasoned that there must be a similar amount as Kenya, it's just hidden more effectively.