As heat builds up on referendum, Deputy President William Ruto is being heard defending corruption from politics in his addresses.
“The politicization of investigations and prosecution by individuals who are neither witnesses, investigators and prosecutors nor judges undermine the noble effort on the war graft,” the DP said. Ruto spoke during the opening of the Global Leadership summit at the Christ is the answer ministries, Valley Road Nairobi which was attended by more than 4000 leaders.
He raised flags that some politicians are trying to hijack the success on the graft war. “we have invested time, people and resources to enhance the capacities and capabilities of our independent constitutional institutions that combat wastage, mismanagement and theft in public institution,” the deputy president said.
He said there are Independent Institutions that have been empowered financially and staff wise to contain graft.
Ruto is confident that despite criticism from some quarters the government has made great strides in the war of corruption. He also believes his government has increased openness and transparency in operations combating wastage, mismanagement and theft in public institutions.
“I believe that governments whose operations are open and transparent suffer less from corruption,” he said.
Mr Ruto who on Monday ended his five day visit to the coast, urged leaders to focus on issues that will transform Kenya rather than “waste their time” talking about him.
The DP further criticized Mr Odinga saying that if he was sincere the Building Bridges Initiative, he would not undermine all efforts to unite Kenyans and ensure they benefit from the handshake.
“Don’t pretend you are the ones spearheading the fight against corruption. The constitution is very clear. Our duty as politicians is to plan for development,” he said adding his critics have no agenda for the country.
He said a steering committee had developed the second national action plan an ‘open government’ as a key mechanism in the anti corruption tool box.
The plan led to the amendment of companies’ laws that ushered in the publication of the beneficial ownership information on each company. Through this, he said, its impossible to hide behind the corporate veil and execute corrupt practices.
The clamor for constitutional reforms has been heightened with a section of political players positioning themselves with various proposals. While the opposition and a section of jubilee politicians are rooting for a change of system of governance the DP is opposed to plans of referendum before the 2022 general election.
DP told the summit,”The well-being of individuals, communities, families and the nation rises and falls on its leadership. It is leadership that creates ideas that are formulate into a manifes that it is then translated into policies which, when implemented, transform a nation.
He urged leaders not to abuse powers bestowed upon them by engaging in activities that add no value to the people they serve.
“Leadership comes with immense authority and power that can change families, communities and nations. But power and authority carries with it immense responsibility without which power is, perverted, meaningless and dangerous.
He also urged religious organizations to be in the front line of not only preaching good stewardship but also stepping up, rolling their sleeves and joining in the task of developing excellent stewards wherever they are needed.