The second season of Faith Without Frontiers podcast opens with Bishop Dr. David Oginde, chairman of Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), who discusses leadership, corruption, and the faith that sustains him in one of the country's most challenging public roles.
In the episode, titled “Chairman Kenya Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission: ‘There is Hope for Kenya’,” Oginde reflects on his journey from architecture student and church leader to one of Kenya’s leading voices on ethical leadership and public integrity.
Hosted by Gordon Showell-Rogers, the conversation explores how Oginde’s experiences in ministry, leadership development, and public service have shaped his commitment to combating corruption and promoting integrity.
Although architecture was a highly respected profession in Kenya, Oginde chose a different path. What began as a planned three-year period working with students became more than a decade of ministry, followed by over 20 years of church leadership.
His experiences convinced him that one of Africa’s greatest challenges was leadership. Too often, he observed, people sought positions of authority for personal gain rather than service and transformation.
That concern led him to pursue advanced studies in leadership and later establish the CataLead, an organization dedicated to developing leaders in business, government, churches, and civil society.
A central theme of the discussion is Oginde’s belief that leadership begins with self-awareness. Effective leaders, he argues, must first learn to know themselves, accept themselves, and appreciate themselves. Without a secure sense of identity, people often seek validation through titles, wealth, or power, creating conditions that can lead to unethical behavior and corruption.
Drawing on biblical principles, Oginde points to Jesus’ willingness to wash his disciples’ feet as an example of leadership rooted in confidence and service rather than status.
The conversation also explores his current role as chairman of Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), a position he assumed following a competitive national selection process.
Although he had written extensively about corruption for years, Oginde says he was surprised by the scale and complexity of what he encountered after joining the commission. Large corruption cases often involve international networks and multiple jurisdictions, making investigations far more challenging than many people realize.
The role also carries significant risks. During the podcast, Oginde describes how investigators can face intimidation, violence, and reputational attacks while pursuing corruption cases. He now travels with government-provided security, a major change from the freedom he enjoyed during his years in ministry.
Despite the challenges, Oginde remains hopeful.
One of his greatest sources of encouragement has been the dedication of the commission’s staff, many of them young professionals committed to integrity and public service. Their determination has strengthened his belief that Kenya’s future can be different.
Throughout the episode, he argues that corruption is ultimately a leadership issue. When success becomes associated with shortcuts and self-enrichment, corruption flourishes. Reversing that culture, he believes, requires raising leaders whose character is as strong as their competence.
Faith remains central to his approach. Reflecting on the pressures of confronting corruption, Oginde says his confidence comes from his belief that God has called him to serve in this role and can bring change even in difficult circumstances.
The title of the episode reflects that conviction.
“If I didn't have hope, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing,” Oginde says.
While acknowledging the scale of the challenge, he remains convinced that ethical leadership, public accountability, and personal integrity can help transform society.
Listen to the first episode of Season 2 for a thoughtful exploration of leadership, faith and public service, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at Kenya's ongoing fight against corruption.
