Deputy President William Ruto criticized the selective prosecution of individuals and the politicization of Kenya's anti-corruption efforts, warning that such actions threaten the integrity of the campaign. Speaking at the conclusion of the 6th annual devolution conference in Kirinyaga County in March 2019, he accused critics of lacking moral authority to address corruption.
Ruto addressed remarks by opposition leader Raila Odinga, acknowledging his support for the handshake initiative but rejecting allegations that he prioritizes personal interests in infrastructure projects. He emphasized that the government's manifesto included commitments to complete dam construction initiatives.
The deputy president urged citizens to report corruption leads to authorities rather than spreading rumors at public gatherings. He dismissed proposals for additional layers of government as anti-devolution rhetoric, calling them unrealistic and contrary to progress achieved through devolved governance.
Highlighting the success of devolved functions, Ruto credited innovative leadership and creativity in county governments, stating that administrative effectiveness depends on vision rather than population size or geographic scale.
