ODM leader Raila Odinga has accused Deputy President William Ruto of undermining Kenya's anti-corruption efforts, demanding that government institutions operate independently without political interference.
Odinga made the remarks during the Sixth Devolution Conference in Kutus, Kirinyaga County, where he criticized attempts to obstruct investigations into the Arror and Kimwarer dams project. He emphasized that financial figures related to the dams should be verified by investigative authorities rather than political figures.
"If you are talking about the theft of dams and figures, don’t come and tell us it was not Sh20 billion and only Sh7 billion. Let the investigating authorities tell us," Odinga said, questioning the accuracy of claims about the project's costs.
The ODM leader argued that corruption has infiltrated both national and county governments, stressing the need for decisive action to protect the economy. He called for adherence to constitutional processes, stating, "If corruption is in a particular department, you arrest those responsible. You cannot go and invent other people to do a balancing act of tribes."
President Uhuru Kenyatta previously invited anyone with evidence linking him to corruption to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Meanwhile, Ruto avoided direct confrontation on the issue during his visit to Kirinyaga, though he is expected to address Odinga's claims later.
Odinga also reiterated his call for devolution reforms, echoing similar arguments made at a 2018 conference in Kakamega. He emphasized the importance of institutional integrity in combating graft and ensuring transparent governance.
