Michela Wrong is not making excuses for the Kenyan politicians, she is explaining the reality of the situation. It is very easy to make judgments when we live in a society where corruption is not part of our every day lives. There is far too much history and complicated layers for everyone to be anti-corruption; this actuality does not mean that people don't commit corruption for the overall betterment, but it is a mode of survival. Koigi, for example, did so much good that I can't be angry that he accepted that piece of land from the government.
My understanding of corruption has been magnified; colonialism bred tribalism and with it corruption. Wrong's parents view on the world create an interesting paradigm, and are both valid viewpoints. My family's take on integrity, and my own, follow her mother's questioning, individuality and trusting our own instincts, not necessarily the governments'. At the same time, there is respect for laws that we believe better society. In such corrupt world, it is important to be realistic--to watch out for your own interests, to hold the government absolutely accountable, to question authority and the status quo. On the other hand, there is a lot to be said for conforming to the rules of society; if no one does, than society will not move forward, and corruption will be perpetuated. I think both aspects have their place and time; but most often a balance between the two should be found.