President William Ruto has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, warning that no title or position will shield individuals found guilty of plundering public resources.
Speaking in Nandi County during the installation of Rt. Rev. John Kiplimo Arap Lelei as the first Bishop of the newly-established Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet, Ruto stressed that integrity and unity are the foundation for transforming Kenya within a generation.
“There is no title, there is no office, there is no rank, there is no region that will protect anyone when it comes to dealing with corruption,” the President declared. “If we eliminate theft of public property, negative ethnicity, political and religious divisions, we will change this country in our lifetime.”
He cited the government’s recent deregistration of more than 1,000 hospitals implicated in defrauding the national health insurance scheme as an example of firm action against graft. Ruto warned that those involved would not only lose their licenses but also be compelled to repay stolen funds.
“There is nothing worse, nothing as criminal as stealing from the sick,” he emphasized.
The Head of State also called on Kenyans to rally behind the government’s development priorities, highlighting affordable housing, improved road networks, modern markets, universal healthcare, and expanded access to education as pillars of national progress.
He underscored the importance of unity between the church, government, and private sector in building a stronger nation. “Kenya is a great nation, and we can make it greater than what it is today,” he said, dismissing critics who doubt the country’s growth trajectory.
Ruto drew comparisons with global success stories, noting that countries like Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and China transformed within a few decades through sound decisions and national cohesion. “Kenya, too, can rise,” he affirmed.
The occasion marked a historic milestone for the Catholic Church with the erection of the Diocese of Kapsabet by Pope Leo XIV on July 10, 2025. The new diocese, Kenya’s 28th Episcopal See, was carved from the Eldoret Diocese and will serve the faithful in Ndalat, Kaiboi, Chepterit, Ol’ Lessos, Nandi Hills, and Kobujoi deaneries.
