Kenya’s President William Ruto said on Tuesday, that the three arms of government have agreed to unite in the fight against corruption in their ranks.
According to the President, the government will employ “a whole approach” to eradicate the vice existing in the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary arms of government.
Speaking during the opening of the Gilgil Technical and Vocational College in Nakuru county, President Ruto stressed that corruption, incompetence, and vested interests were undermining the country’s development.
“I want to promise the people of Kenya that we are united and determined to root out the corruption menace from our country,” he said.
Ruto called on well-meaning individuals, political leaders, and civil society groups to throw their weight behind the fight against graft in the country.
He urged the opposition to desist from politicising remarks between the three arms of government, and find ways of solving the long-standing issue of corruption. He also called for unity to enable more focus on delivering good leadership services to the people of Kenya.
His words:
“It is not necessary for us to have a controversy on a matter that requires the collective effort of all Kenyans.
“I ask all leaders, especially in Kenya Kwanza, to step down from contests for whatever position, present or future, so that we can focus on delivering to the people of Kenya,” he said.
The event was well attended by top political figures, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Others attendees included; MPs Martha Wangari (Gilgil), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes), David Gikaria (Nakuru East), Paul Chebor (Rongai) and Liza Chelule (Nakuru).
Recently, President Ruto attracted widespread criticism after he launched public verbal attacks on the Judiciary, labeling judges as “corrupt”.
The remarks left a sour taste in people’s throats, including lawyers in Nairobi who went ahead to stage a peaceful protest at the State House. They demanded for the President to retract his words, and threatened to commence an impeachment process against him if he failed to do so.