Covid-19 millionaires: Lessons from the frog and scorpion fable

By NERIMA WAKO-OJIWA

Have you heard of the story of the frog and the scorpion? There are many versions, some it is the scorpion and the turtle, or the scorpion and the fox. But they all have a similar storyline, but with slightly different endings. My favourite version is the Eritrean version. It’s about the frog and the scorpion.

This is how it goes. There was a scorpion trapped on one end of a riverbank. The river was flowing rapidly, and there was no way for it to cross. Stranded, the scorpion sees a frog and decides to speak to it, to ask for help to cross the river.

The frog was a little hesitant at first, fearing the scorpion’s sting. And the scorpion assured the frog that he would not sting, because they both needed to get across safely.

So after taking some time to think about it, the frog finally agreed to carry the scorpion on its back. Halfway through the river, the frog feels a sting, and exclaims; “Why did you do that?” And the scorpion responds; “It’s an impulse, I couldn’t help it.” Then at that moment, the frog begins to feel numb and decided to swim underwater. He could hear the scorpion gasping for air until it died.

Another week, and yet another report released about a scandal in Kenya. Millions of shillings are not accounted for, Covid-19 funds that should have gone to the public have gone to personal accounts. It is unfathomable to think the amount of risk people have been exposed to due to selfishness and greed. And that people have literally lost their lives because of lack of accountability.

The coronavirus fight has created the so-called Covid-19 milllionaires, who have benefited from fraudulent deals. Even in difficult times like these, looting public coffers is as clear as day.

Those mainly affected are the poor. These are people who are in desperate need of change. But they lack the means to make the change.

Without the resources, or the influence, it is almost impossible for them to make the change by themselves.

Who can reach those at the top, and those at the bottom? Those at the top are comfortable, and they don’t mind how things are, because in their world, they can afford to adapt.

Back to the story with several versions, whether it’s a scorpion; turtle; fox or the frog, they end up both dying when the scorpion decides to sting in the middle of the journey. The frog decided to swim underwater and the scorpion was not able to survive. And as the frog swam to the other side of the riverbank, it retorted: “It is just a natural impulse.” Then died.

This is what will happen, because Covid-19 will affect us all if donated equipment is stolen. In this fable corrupt leader and public servants are the scorpions.

It will only be natural for one day Kenyans to have had enough, and think of their own survival.

Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director at Siasa Place @NerimaW