Former Auditor General Edward Ouko has warmed hearts online after a video of him getting down at a party went viral on X.
The septuagenarian, who assumed office as the Auditor General on August 27, 2011, and left after serving a full term in August 2019, appeared to have maintained the same vigour, energy and robustness he has been synonymous with since he joined public office.
In the video, a vibrant Ouko is seen getting jiggy alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo – himself not a young soul either.
As a drummer does his magic, benga music is heard blasting from the speakers as Ouko gesticulates, bursting several high-energy dance moves as if to reinforce the notion that he remains one of the most widely-respected and beloved public figures Kenya has ever had.
Dressed in a pair of blue jeans, an untucked shirt and a black cap, Ouko beams as he straddles the dancefloor, thoroughly immersed in the euphoric moment.
The video, which has been shared widely by several leading X influencers, has been met with widespread acclaim from hundreds of Kenyans who have commended the man for his spotless tenure in office and his steadfastness even in the face of government persecution.
While commenting on the video, social commentator Benji Ndolo said, “This man was my boss. He is fair, smart, conscientious and diligent in his work. He is a good manager of people and resources. His father was a medical doctor, trained in London those days. Small things like stealing, don’t excite him. God bless!”
Another X user, lawyer Ben Aketch said, “That is the dance from a man who knows that he left the Government without stealing a dime…Mweupe kama pamba…A very rare breed!”
On his part, user Kamotho Timothy opined, “His corrupt mates are battling diseases, court cases and curses while this man is out here kicking it like a 20-year old! This is what happens when you mind the business that pays you and look out for Wanjiku!”
Famous anti-corruption crusader John Githongo himself was impressed as well. He retweeted the video as a stamp of his approval of Kenyans’ sentiments towards the top accountant.
Ouko’s tenure as the Auditor General was not an easy ride – for the most part, it was an arduous endeavor that even saw him threatened with several trumped-up abuse of office charges.
In 2017, he survived an ouster by Parliament after High Court judge George Odunga quashed a petition by a Nairobi lawyer to investigate his conduct.
In the same year, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission pushed for abuse of office and breach of procurement laws charges against him for allegedly awarding a Ksh.100 million software contract.
However, then Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko shot down the report citing lack of evidence incriminating him.
