Last week, former Attorney General Justin Muturi made bold claims regarding corruption in the government that have sent ripples through the political landscape. According to Muturi, who was recently sacked by President William Ruto from his position as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Ruto secretly conducts corrupt deals worth billions of shillings.

In a tell-it-all interview with a local TV station, Muturi disclosed how Ruto attempted to arm-twist him into hurriedly signing a Sh129 billion deal with Russian oligarchs on planting trees. Muturi said the deal would have contravened the law as such funds must go through the Treasury and should not be channelled directly to a ministry.

The former CS, who has been at loggerheads with the Kenya Kwanza government since mid-last year, called out the President, accusing him of claiming to fight corruption while he allegedly secretly conducts corrupt deals worth billions of shillings.

These assertions, if left unaddressed and simply brushed aside as has been the norm with the Ruto administration, could severely undermine public trust in the current administration.

The President, who campaigned on a promise of tackling corruption, must now come forward and clarify his stance on the allegations. His response will not only shape his legacy but also impact the credibility of his government in the eyes of the public.

Muturi’s allegations are not to be taken lightly. As a former top government official, his words carry weight, especially when they target the integrity of the administration in power.

He suggests that corruption is festering within the very institutions that are supposed to combat it. Such claims, if left unchallenged, could paint a picture of a government that is not living up to its promises of transparency and accountability.

The Ruto administration came to power with a clear mandate to rid Kenya of corruption. His campaign rhetoric was powerful, resonating with citizens tired of the entrenched systems of graft that have plagued the country for decades. His push for economic reform and focus on national development was seen as an opportunity to turn the page on corruption scandals that have marred previous governments.

But Muturi’s claims are a stark reminder that these promises are only meaningful if they are followed by substantive action.

If Ruto’s government is to fulfil its mandate of combating corruption, it must be seen to act decisively when allegations arise, especially from such a reputable source.