Ruto: We are determined to fight graft within State arms

The three arms of government have agreed to work together to tame corruption, vested interest and incompetence in their ranks, President William Ruto said yesterday.

Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, the Head of State noted, would use “a whole of government approach” to achieve the objective of eradicating the vice.

“I want to promise the people of Kenya that we are united and determined to root out the corruption menace from our country,” he said.

Speaking during the opening of the Gilgil Technical and Vocational College in Nakuru yesterday, Ruto emphasised that corruption, incompetence and vested interests are undermining development.

He appealed to leaders, including those in civil society, religious institutions and Opposition, to close ranks and team up to support the fight against corruption.

He asked those in the Opposition to stop politicising talks between the three arms of government, and instead share ideas on how the criminal justice system and Judiciary can be empowered to deal with corruption.

“It is not necessary for us to have a controversy on a matter that requires the collective effort of all Kenyans,” he said. President Ruto at the same time asked leaders to shun competitive politics and focus on service delivery to the people.

“I ask all leaders, especially in Kenya Kwanza, to step down from contests for whatever position, present or future, so that we can focus on delivering to the people of Kenya,” he said.

Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah. Others were MPs Martha Wangari (Gilgil), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes), David Gikaria (Nakuru East), Paul Chebor (Rongai) and Liza Chelule (Nakuru).

At the same time, the President said the Government is hiring an additional 2,000 tutors to boost technical colleges.

The government is also establishing ICT hubs to prepare youth for online job opportunities.

Online jobs

Ruto said his administration aims to secure one million online jobs for Kenyan youth and a similar number of opportunities in the Affordable Housing Programme.

“I want to ask all Government institutions to work together to ensure Kenyan youth get jobs through government programmes,” he said.

Gachagua asked President Ruto to disregard Opposition’s criticism and continue engaging the leadership of the Legislature and Judiciary to address corruption in government. Kihika called out those using the courts in Nakuru to stop the people from acquiring title deeds.

The MPs present vowed to support resolutions made by the leadership of the three arms of government to strengthen the fight against corruption.

Ichung’wah said Parliament is ready to make any amendments to the law to support the war on corruption.

“Corruption and State capture are the biggest threats to the development of our country,” he said.
He called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry on State capture to deal with corruption and vested interests.

Gikaria faulted those using courts to sabotage government projects that are meant to benefit the people.

“We will not allow anyone to sabotage government programmes,” he said.

Gikaria commended Chief Justice Martha Koome for taking part in talks aimed at combating corruption in the Judiciary and the other arms of government.

Wangari said it was the responsibility of the three arms of government to fight corruption. “As the Legislature, we will play our part in the fight against corruption,” she said.

Osoro appealed to the Opposition not to politicise the fight against corruption, saying they should allow the three arms of government to work together to combat the vice.