Ruto says leaders must stop policitising war on corruption

Deputy President William Ruto has urged leaders to stop politicising the war against corruption.

Speaking at Lelboinet Boys High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Friday, the Deputy President said the war against corruption was a collective responsibility where all Kenyans must participate if the exercise has to yield fruits.

“Civil servants should do their work well and without any fear as no one will victimise them. The ongoing fight against corruption only targets those responsible for the vice,” said Mr Ruto.

He urged the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Judiciary to carry out their duties without fear, blackmail or mechanisms that could undermine their work.

“Prosecutions and investigations are not political. Such mandates are clear. We should therefore not politicise institutions dealing with prosecutions. They should be left to operate independently without any partisan or regional interests,” said Mr Ruto.

He went on: “Courts must also be left to make decisions on the basis of law and justice so as not to undermine the country’s democracy and the way the public are being served.”

Mr Ruto was accompanied by Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin-Gishu), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), MPs Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South), Daniel Rono (Keiyo South) and Turkana Women Rep, Joyce Emanikor, Principal Secretaries Susan Koech (EAC) and Chris Kiptoo (Trade).