This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has been at the center of controversy over his wealth, with many calling for a lifestyle audit. However, in a recent statement, Ruto revealed that he has declared his wealth as required by law, and dismissed claims that he owns certain properties as 'fake news.'
Speaking on the issue, Ruto stated, 'I declared my wealth as required by law. If you want to know what wealth I have, apply and you will be very surprised. There is fake news, oh he owns Intercontinental, Hotel 680, Boulevard! It is fake!'
He went on to say that those interested in his wealth details should apply to have them, as the law requires. 'If the necessary legislation is enacted to declare wealth publicly, I will be the first one in the queue. There are people who want to use malice,' Ruto said.
On the issue of corruption, Ruto rubbished claims that up to a third of the Kenyan budget is wasted in corruption. He stated, 'When someone claims that Sh800 billion has been lost to corruption, what are they saying? Our revenue collection is about Sh1.45 trillion; we pay salaries of about Sh700 billion. Are they saying that after paying salaries nothing else is done?'
He added that the best way to fight corruption is by removing falsehoods and actually fighting corruption. 'The problem is when people bring propaganda. The best way to fight corruption is by removing the falsehoods and actually fighting corruption,' Ruto said.
On the progress made in the war on corruption, Ruto stated that if Kenya was not winning the war, there would not have been the kind of development and progress we are seeing.
