Ouko opens up on frustrations during tenure as Auditor-General at prayer breakfast

Former Auditor General Edward Ouko on Thursday laid bare his frustrations as he executed his duties.

He said leadership presents numerous challenges, especially those in posts where unpopular decisions are made.

Ouko said he resorted to prayers whenever he was under attack by persons who had issues with his audit reports.

He spoke on Thursday via video link during the 18th National Prayer Breakfast Meeting.

The former auditor general was put under fire by President Uhuru Kenyatta when he sought to travel abroad to probe the Eurobond scandal.

His reports ignited both praise and ridicule, which he said leaders must face whenever they are managing change.

“Choosing not to be corrupt is a painful side of leadership. Leaders must be constant and aware of devilish attacks,” Ouko said.

He said leaders must be ready to face resistance, which manifests themselves in anonymous allegations – mostly leaked to the press.

Ouko revisited the events when a petition was filed to remove him from office, saying it was regrettable some were fuelled by employees of his former office.

The retired auditor also reminisced how he faced attacks for “doing his job and taking a courageous stand and was labelled political parties sympathizer”.

He encouraged leaders to get mentors who can guide them through the journey of connecting with their maker.

“A leader needs to pray constantly to overcome temptations and pray for wisdom and protection,” he said.