President Wiliam Ruto has fired a warning shot to anti-graft agencies, accusing them of being lethargic in fighting corruption. In what points to tough times for the oversight bodies in the coming days, he said it will not be business as usual.
President Ruto accused the entities of “hiding behind the transparent screen of independence” as graft lords have a field day.
He said it is time EACC, DPP, DCI, Asset Recovery Agency, treasury ministry, courts acted.
“Rise up to meet the people’s expectations on matters of integrity,” Ruto said in an address to a joint sitting of the 13th Parliament.
“Let this serve as notice to all. Independent institutions charged with this responsibility must up their game, pull up their socks and match up to the expectations of the people of Kenya.”
The President took a swipe at the office of the director of public prosecutions, which has been on the spot 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.
President Ruto also rued the situation of corruption suspects rushing to court to obtain anticipatory bail. The head of state is also expressed concern that corruption cases drag in courts.
“There is no reason for corruption cases to drag on in our courts for years when the same courts are able to determine election petitions within six months,” he said.
President Ruto also took a swipe at MPs for delaying enactment of the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023.
“Stop dragging your (MPs) feet on this bill unless there is a conflict of interest in the passing of the legislation,” he said.
Kenya Kwanza wanted the Leadership and Integrity Act enhanced so that Kenyans could bar graft suspects from ascending to office. Had it sailed through, any member of the public would have the powers to seek order of the High Court stopping a graft suspect from assuming office.
The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly shot down the proposal saying the vetting “would present a challenge to the capacity and resources of the EACC.”
The President also took issue with the National Treasury for delaying the roll-out of e-procurement system to tame graft.
President Ruto wants the system up and running by April 30 and that only procurement undertaken through it would be honoured.
“Of the many difficult assignments I have undertaken, this fight against corruption is one I now take on with resolve going forward,” he said.
The President’s new resolve comes against the backdrop of concerns by various watchers that corruption war has taken a backburner.
Ruto’s team sparked anxiety over its anti-graft strategy after several high-profile corruption and criminal cases against his allies were terminated.
On assuming office, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Public Service CS Aisha Jumwa’s cases were among the first that were dropped.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua led a public bashing of anti-graft agencies and sparked concern among the stakeholders in the fight.
The impeached DP wanted the institutions out of government corridors for alleged spying, intrusion and disrespect.
“We have told DCI to go back to Kiambu Road and wait for crimes to be reported. They have no business in government offices,” he once said.
Critics, following the sentiments, cast doubt on the administration’s commitment to fight graft.
There were also concerns that some high-level public officials were not declaring their wealth accurately, with other cases being that the information was not made public as required by law.
But that is set to change, if his reassurance at the annual address are anything to go by, and would be acted upon.
“I have stated in the past, and I reiterate today, that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” he said.
Kenya’s standing in the fight against corruption took a hit after the country was grey listed by anti-money laundering watchdog.
International Monetary Fund in
its latest review on the Kenyan situation said while some areas have
had progress, there were significant
delays in other areas.
