We live in times when it is becoming increasingly permissible to employ unconscionable means of getting that extra buck. In fact, that statement is too polite because frequently, good men have prostituted their values in a bid to rake in the ever seductive “almighty dollar.” That partly explains why billions of Kshs are purloined from public coffers under “mysterious” circumstances.

Let us abandon that instant of extreme greed and venture back into our daily lives where the fortunate ones amongst us only manage to come across a couple thousand shillings at best. I hardly need mention that the average Kenyan is broke. Broke in the sense that they barely manage to have a decent meal, pay rent and don a good shirt on their back. And so the question begs: how far is the average Kenyan willing to bend the rules to make money?

Suffice to say that in many instances we are forced to compromise on our principles so as to move things along. It is becoming seemingly necessary to oil a few hands not because of our greed, but because it, in most cases, appears to be the only way to survive. I find it very difficult to pass judgment on a mama mboga because she parted with “something small” so as not to have her stall—her only source of livelihood—brought down by the City Council askaris.

I don’t mean to sound like the relativist who believes that life is not black and white. The difference between right and wrong is often blindingly clear to any of us, but it is also true that oftentimes morality is presented to us not as a choice between good and evil; but as a choice between two good or two evil alternatives. The onus therefore lies upon us to make the correct judgment call when the need arises. As we mull over that, perhaps these words from the great philosopher King Solomon might add some clarity to the matter:

"Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time?” – Eccl. 7: 16-17