President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to anti-corruption agencies, signaling a new era in Kenya’s war on graft. Addressing a joint sitting of the 13th Parliament, the President accused oversight bodies of being sluggish in their mandate and warned that it would no longer be business as usual.
In a fiery speech, Ruto criticized entities like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Asset Recovery Agency for “hiding behind the transparent screen of independence” while corruption thrives. “It is time these institutions rise to meet the people’s expectations on integrity,” Ruto declared, emphasizing that the fight against corruption is now his personal mission.
Accountability for Anti-Graft Agencies
President Ruto expressed dissatisfaction with the DPP, which has faced backlash for dropping high-profile graft cases. “It cannot be that the DPP keeps dropping cases because, somehow, they are unable to produce witnesses,” he said. The President also criticized the judicial system for allowing corruption cases to drag on for years while election petitions are determined within six months.
He further condemned the use of anticipatory bail by corruption suspects, a legal loophole that has enabled many to evade justice. “This practice undermines the integrity of our institutions,” he said.
Parliament Under Fire
The President did not spare Parliament, accusing MPs of delaying the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023. The bill, part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s strategy to enhance the Leadership and Integrity Act, aimed to give citizens the power to block corruption suspects from assuming public office. However, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee rejected the proposal, citing resource and capacity challenges for the EACC.
“Stop dragging your feet on this bill unless there is a conflict of interest in its passing,” Ruto said, calling for expedited action to strengthen legal frameworks in the anti-corruption war.
Technological Solutions to Curb Graft
Ruto also took issue with the National Treasury for delaying the rollout of an e-procurement system designed to enhance transparency in government transactions. He set a deadline of April 30, 2024, for the system to be operational, warning that only procurement conducted through the system would be honored.
Criticism of Ruto’s Administration
The President’s renewed resolve comes amid widespread skepticism about his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption. Observers have criticized the government for terminating several high-profile corruption cases involving Ruto’s allies, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa.
Deputy President Gachagua has been particularly vocal in opposing the presence of anti-graft agencies in government offices, accusing them of spying and disrespecting public officials. Critics argue that such sentiments undermine the credibility of the administration’s anti-corruption agenda.
Additionally, concerns persist about the lack of transparency in wealth declarations by high-level public officials, a requirement under Kenyan law. There are fears that some officials are providing inaccurate information, while others have failed to make their declarations public.
Global Implications
Kenya’s perceived lethargy in tackling corruption has drawn international criticism, including being grey-listed by the global anti-money laundering watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest review, noted delays in key anti-corruption measures, warning that they could impact the country’s economic credibility.
Ruto’s Promise of Decisive Action
Despite the skepticism, President Ruto reassured Kenyans of his determination to tackle graft head-on. “In the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” he said.
As the fight against corruption takes center stage in Ruto’s agenda, his administration’s actions will be closely scrutinized. For Kenya, this could mark a turning point or another chapter in its long struggle against the vice that has plagued the nation for decades.
