afrol News, 20 August - Kenya's former anti-corruption chief, John Githongo, has returned home last night after three years of self-imposed exile in United Kingdom.

Mr Githongo fled Kenya after exposing a government scam known as the Anglo-Leasing, which involved contracts worth more than US$ 10 billion which were secretly awarded phantoms firms.

To some, Mr Githongo is a hero who defied pressure and his own ethnic affiliations to expose grand corruption, but for others he was viewed as a traitor to his nation and his ethnic group. "I am very happy to be back home. This is my country," said Mr Githongo on arrival.

Mr Githongo, who was hugged by his mother, friends and relatives, is expected to meet Prime Minister Raila Odinga and later address an anti-corruption forum in Nairobi today.

Mr Githongo home coming was upon invitation by new Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka urging him to return home.

"I have been greatly encouraged by both the Prime Minister and the Vice President," he said, "and now believe that it is time to return home and make any contribution I can to the future of my country."

Reports say Kenyans view his return as a sign that perhaps corruption can be beaten after all. As government's permanent secretary for ethics and governance, Mr Githongo published documents exposing the notorious Anglo-Leasing scandal, which forced resignation of several ministers in 2006.

The anti-graft expert said he will be in the country for the next two weeks. "I will be here for a brief period, then leave and come back later," he said.

Corruption remains deeply embedded in Kenyan government and public institutions. Donors have accused Mr Kibaki of failing to keep promises to tackle rampant corruption in Kenya.

Last month, Kenyan Finance Minister resigned from coalition government amid investigation into controversial sale of state owned five star hotel in the country’s capital, Nairobi.

Minister Amos Kimunya was accused of breaking laws that govern sale of state owned assets by not advertising sale of Nairobi-based Grand Regency Hotel and failing to announce it had been sold earlier this year.

Earlier this year, government and opposition formed a grand coalition after post-election violence threatened to tear the country apart.

President Kibaki won 2002 elections on a pledge to tackle corruption which had plagued previous administration.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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