Kenyan President William Ruto has directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to intensify their fight against corruption. The directive was given during a Coast region tour, which included the inauguration of the East Africa Oil Refinery. Ruto warned that graft is tarnishing the government's development record ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto's directive comes amid criticism from the United Opposition, which has highlighted alleged corruption as a key reason to vote out the Kenya Kwanza administration in the upcoming polls. The President noted that corruption permeates the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, urging each arm to confront the menace with honesty and resolve. He added that corruption within the Executive remains "alarmingly high" despite recent attempts to tighten systems.
The EACC has reported that at least 18 high-profile graft cases from 15 counties were withdrawn by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) between 2023 and 2025. This has weakened public confidence in anti-corruption efforts. The commission argues that its lack of prosecutorial powers hampers accountability and the recovery of stolen funds, and it is urging lawmakers to amend the law to grant the EACC such authority.
A High Court ruling last September overturned the ODPP's withdrawal of charges against Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, finding the prosecution acted unconstitutionally by excluding the EACC from the decision-making process. This ruling highlighted concerns about transparency and collaboration between the ODPP and investigative agencies. Senators have repeatedly questioned the ODPP's rationale for dismissing cases without consulting investigative agencies.
The DCI has also complained that the ODPP repeatedly frustrates its investigations by citing insufficient evidence, further complicating anti-corruption work. The EACC and DCI are expected to work closely together to implement Ruto's directive and tackle corruption. The President's move is seen as an effort to address public concerns and demonstrate his administration's commitment to fighting graft.
Ruto's directive was given during the Katiba Day celebrations in Nairobi, where he emphasized the need for a concerted effort to combat corruption. The President's administration has faced criticism over withdrawn cases, and the new directive is seen as an effort to address these concerns. The EACC and DCI will need to work together to ensure that anti-corruption efforts are effective and transparent.
The intensification of anti-corruption efforts is crucial for Kenya's development and ahead of the 2027 General Election. The government's commitment to fighting graft will be closely watched by the public and opposition groups. Three key points have emerged: Ruto has ordered the EACC and DCI to intensify anti-corruption efforts; the EACC lacks prosecutorial powers, which hampers accountability; and the ODPP's withdrawal of cases has weakened public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
Key points
- President Ruto has directed the EACC and DCI to intensify anti-corruption efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- The EACC lacks prosecutorial powers, which hampers accountability and the recovery of stolen funds.
- The ODPP's withdrawal of cases has weakened public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
