Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sounded the alarm over the growing threat of corruption, warning that the vice remains the single greatest obstacle to Kenya’s aspirations despite steady progress in governance and economic reforms.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Kindiki said corruption continues to erode public trust, undermine development, and compromise the nation’s future.
“Notwithstanding the steady progress, between us and the Kenya of our dreams is corruption. It muddies our present and steals the future,” he said.
The DP noted that graft has infiltrated all facets of national life, cutting across the three arms of government, devolved units, civil society, academia, faith institutions, and even the daily lives of citizens. He likened the fight against corruption to Kenya’s long battle with poverty, stressing that the country must adopt an uncompromising, long-term, and non-political strategy to root out the menace.
“Just like the war our nation has waged on poverty over the decades, an uncompromising, long-term and non-political strategy to defeat corruption, especially grand corruption, will elevate Kenya to the first world in a generation,” he added.
Kindiki’s remarks come amid heightened national debate on accountability in the management of public resources. President William Ruto on Monday also raised concerns over alleged attempts to bribe lawmakers to influence parliamentary decisions.
Speaking during a joint parliamentary group meeting of ODM and UDA, Ruto cited intelligence reports indicating that a governor allegedly spent Sh150 million to sway senators, while a legislator pocketed Sh10 million in connection with a proposed anti-money laundering law.
“There are legitimate concerns about how resources are being spent at the counties, and we cannot run away,” the President said. “Where does somebody find Sh150 million? That is money that belongs to the county.”
Ruto warned that those found culpable could face legal action, a stance that sparked sharp reactions in Parliament.
As the country grapples with economic challenges and seeks to accelerate growth, both the President and Deputy President have reiterated that unless corruption is decisively tackled, Kenya’s development vision risks being derailed.
