In his State of the Nation Address, President William Ruto expressed frustration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for frequently dropping high-profile corruption cases due to alleged difficulties securing witnesses.
He emphasized that such failures undermine Kenya's fight against corruption and hinder social justice, national security, and sustainable development progress.
Ruto urged the ODPP and the Judiciary to move beyond claims of institutional independence and deliver tangible results in addressing corruption.
“It cannot be the case that the director of public prosecutions keeps dropping cases due to an inability to produce witnesses,” he remarked, adding that the public’s expectations for integrity and accountability must be met.
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He also criticized the Judiciary for allowing suspects to exploit anticipatory bail to evade investigations and delay justice. Ruto questioned why corruption cases often drag on for years while election petitions are resolved within six months.
Turning his attention to Parliament, Ruto accused lawmakers of delaying the critical Conflict of Interest Bill, essential for anti-corruption efforts. He challenged MPs to prioritize the bill’s passage, questioning whether personal interests were causing the delays.
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The National Treasury also faced scrutiny for failing to implement an e-procurement system for nearly a decade. Ruto set a firm deadline for its rollout by early 2025, mandating that all future government procurements adhere to the new system.
Declaring his unwavering commitment to combating corruption, Ruto called all responsible institutions to "pull up their socks" and align with public expectations. “This fight against corruption is a priority. Let this serve as notice to all,” he concluded.
