President Uhuru Kenyatta denounced what he called baseless attempts to associate him with corruption, accusing unnamed individuals of exploiting funerals and weddings to disrupt anti-graft efforts. Speaking at the Sixth Devolution Conference in Kirinyaga, he challenged critics to present evidence to investigative bodies rather than making public accusations. 'If you have proof against me, go to Karura Forest where the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is based,' he said, referencing the agency's Kiambu Road headquarters.
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Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, an ally of Deputy President William Ruto, accused Uhuru and opposition leader Raila Odinga of hypocrisy in the anti-corruption fight. He claimed both figures were complicit in the 2018 Kenya Airways airport takeover and alleged the March 9, 2018 handshake between Uhuru and Odinga was a political maneuver to secure Uhuru's 2022 re-election. 'We accepted the handshake, but now we understand its true purpose,' Sudi stated at a gathering in Eldoret, attended by Ruto's aides and governors.
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Uhuru urged Kenyans to support investigative agencies in combating corruption, warning against 'character assassination.' He emphasized the government's commitment to prosecuting graft, stating, 'No one will be spared.' The President also highlighted the need to recover stolen assets and improve judicial efficiency in corruption cases.
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Addressing resource allocation challenges, Uhuru noted that only Sh50 billion was available annually for development despite a Sh2 trillion budget. He criticized mismanagement in some counties, citing examples of excessive salary allocations and inefficient spending. Deputy President Ruto echoed concerns about funding gaps, suggesting agricultural exports as a potential solution.
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Uhuru reaffirmed the government's stance against corruption, stating, 'The hour has come to raise the bar in delivering services to our people.' He called on the judiciary to expedite cases and urged citizens to avoid obstructing anti-graft efforts.
