President William Ruto has expressed deep concerns regarding widespread corruption within the country’s legislative and judicial systems, expressing his belief that the two institutions are contributing to the erosion of Kenya’s transformation efforts.
In his speech during the opening of the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County on Wednesday, the President directed his criticism towards Members of Parliament and the Judiciary, accusing them of complicity in fostering an environment of impunity and corruption.
He lamented that some legislators in Parliament are allegedly demanding bribes from members of the Executive, particularly during accountability sessions. He described this as a destructive practice that must be publicly and decisively condemned.
“There is something going on in our Legislature that we must call out. There is money being demanded from the Executive, from Governors and Ministers, especially those who go for accountability before our Houses of Parliament,” President Ruto stated, expressing frustration with the culture of extortion and bribery within the very institution meant to hold public officials accountable.
The President also highlighted the role of parliamentary committees, suggesting that corruption has infiltrated their operations as well.
“It is not possible that Committees of Parliament demand to be bribed or paid, for them to write reports or to look the other way for what is happening in either the national government or county governments,” Ruto added.
Shifting his attention to the Judiciary, President Ruto condemned the practice that allows individuals implicated in corruption to evade justice.
“I want to ask the Judiciary not to be a haven for the corrupt to hide behind judicial decisions. We have an innovation that is only available in Kenya that allows somebody who has stolen public resources or in bridge of law not be prosecuted – something called anticipatory bail. It is a Kenyan innovation that takes us backwards,” President Ruto remarked.
The President called on the Judiciary to reflect on how such a legal mechanism aids the fight against corruption.
“Somebody who has stolen public funds rushes to court to obtain anticipatory bail, making it impossible for that person to be arrested and prosecuted endlessly. How does that support the fight against corruption?” Ruto questioned, demanding answers from his counterparts in the Judiciary.
The President urged unity among all government agencies, institutions, and branches of government to tackle the systemic corruption undermining the country’s growth and prosperity. He reiterated that a collective societal effort is essential to achieve meaningful development and ensure public resources are used appropriately.
“We are undertaking transformation in Kenya, but that transformation is being undermined by corruption, and we must call it what it is,” he said, sending a clear message: unless corruption is eradicated at all levels of government, Kenya’s transformation will remain an elusive goal.
