Democracy for the Citizens’ Party Deputy leader Cleophas Malala has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, describing him as unfit to lecture Kenyans on corruption while accusing him of engaging in corrupt dealings.

Speaking on a local media station on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Malala criticised Ruto’s anti-corruption rhetoric, arguing that he can’t address corruption given his participation in questionable activities.

“William Ruto, is that proverbial witch who performs his rituals during the day but assumes nobody is seeing him. He’s behaving holier than thou. It’s as though he has just landed in Kenya the other week and he has no moral authority to lecture anybody on matters of corruption,” Malala stated.

“He has been a participant in corrupt dealings in the past. Look at how he runs his government. With impunity, without following the rule of law,” he added.

Financial influence

Malala also criticised Ruto’s engagement with Parliament, citing instances such as last year’s finance bill and the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that Ruto used financial influence to sway decisions.

“He started this corruption and this engagement with Parliament in corrupt ways in several instances. Last year’s finance bill, he used a lot of money to pay MPs, the impeachment of Gachagua, and so many other businesses transacted in Parliament,” he claimed.

The former UDA Secretary General further criticised Kenya’s approach to fighting corruption, arguing that these activities undermine Ruto’s credibility on anti-corruption matters.

“The problem is that Kenya is not serious when it comes to the fight against corruption. Because we’ve seen William Ruto and his administration entertain the very people who indulge in corrupt activities. Look at his cabinet,” he stated.

Sugar industry lease controversy

Malala specifically targeted Ruto’s handling of sugar industry privatisation, claiming that the government leased out sugar factories without following proper procurement procedures.

“He has leased out all sugar industries without advertisement, without any bid, without any competitive bid. And then he puts on a very decent tie and comes before Kenyans, hypocritically lecturing them about corruption,” he added.