President Uhuru Kenyatta dismissed accusations from allies of former Vice President William Ruto, stating that public protests during funerals and weddings serve no purpose in addressing corruption claims. Speaking at the Sixth Annual Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga County, he challenged critics to present evidence of wrongdoing to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) rather than using public events to air grievances.
Kenyatta emphasized that anti-graft efforts are managed by experts, asserting that investigators have the capacity to handle cases. He specifically addressed allegations of personal misconduct, directing critics to file formal complaints with DCI offices located near Karura Forest on Kiambu Road. "The deceased will not assist you," he said in Swahili, urging critics to pursue legal channels instead of public accusations.
Rift Valley MP Oscar Sudi and other Ruto allies accused Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga of weaponizing anti-corruption rhetoric to target political opponents. Sudi claimed the president and Odinga "should not pretend to be holy" and criticized the use of infrastructure projects like the Elgeyo Marakwet dams to obscure broader corruption schemes. On social media, Sudi acknowledged Kenyatta's call for formal reporting but argued that the DCI operates under presidential influence.
The president defended his administration's anti-graft initiatives, highlighting preventive programs and asset recovery efforts. He criticized mismanagement of public funds, citing examples where counties allocated disproportionate budgets to salaries over service delivery. "We must ensure taxpayers' money benefits citizens," Kenyatta stated, announcing plans for a national conference to establish clearer fiscal policies.
Kenyatta reiterated his commitment to combating corruption, urging cooperation with state agencies and calling on the judiciary to expedite justice. He emphasized that the fight against graft targets systemic abuse rather than individuals, stating, "No one is above the law."
