Stop Politicising Fight Against Graft, President Ruto Warns Opposition

The opposition has been cautioned against politicizing and weaponizing the criminal justice system in the ongoing battle against corruption.

Despite the government's efforts to combat corruption, members of the opposition claim that they have been unjustly singled out. President William Ruto has reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and has promised to deal directly with those involved without any partiality. He emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and adherence to constitutional due process in the fight against corruption.

In an interdenominational prayer and thanksgiving service on August 27th, 2023, Dr. Ruto urged those who formerly wielded significant authority to give up any public property they may have obtained. He further cautioned that anti-corruption organizations should remain impartial in their activities without succumbing to the sway of either the government or the opposition.

"If you engage in stealing from the public, be prepared to either run out of Kenya or go to jail," the President warned.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged various community leaders to refrain from using their ethnic backgrounds as a shield to escape corruption charges. The call comes after former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya was found guilty of corruption-related crimes. However, some opposition leaders, including Raila Odinga, criticized the recent raid on Oparanya's homes, calling it a witch hunt. Despite the criticism, Mr Mudavadi today asserted the need to tackle corruption in order to ensure the country's development plans are not jeopardized.

"The President needs support to win this war once and for all so that available resources can be protected to support the growth of the economy. It is part of our vision as Kenya Kwanza that the war against graft is not itself corrupted by inappropriate interventions," he said.