NAIROBI — President William Ruto has issued a stern warning against corruption, tribalism, and political division, saying they are not only harming Kenya’s economy but also stealing citizens’ hope and opportunities.
Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, Ruto said the country faces a growing moral crisis.
He stressed that corruption often begins in small, seemingly harmless acts in homes and schools, but eventually grows into large-scale mismanagement in public institutions.
“Corruption is not merely theft of money; it is the theft of hope, opportunity, and destiny,” the President said.
“Corruption is not merely theft of money; it is the theft of hope, opportunity, and destiny,” the President said.
“If we allow dishonesty and division to take root, we are risking our children’s future and our national promise.”
Ruto said tribalism, hate, and political division are tearing at Kenya’s social fabric. He warned that these vices weaken institutions and reduce citizens’ trust in government, posing a greater threat than economic challenges alone.
“Our economic freedom project is not only about infrastructure and investment,” he said.
Ruto said tribalism, hate, and political division are tearing at Kenya’s social fabric. He warned that these vices weaken institutions and reduce citizens’ trust in government, posing a greater threat than economic challenges alone.
“Our economic freedom project is not only about infrastructure and investment,” he said.
“It requires a renewal of our national conscience. We must rebuild strong values, defend unity, and raise our children with honesty and responsibility.”
The President highlighted his administration’s focus on infrastructure development, agriculture reforms, and digital transformation, but emphasized that these programs cannot succeed without ethical leadership and integrity among citizens.
He called on political leaders across all parties to reject ethnic politics and promote national cohesion. According to Ruto, divisive politics and ethnic mobilization undermine development and prevent Kenyans from benefiting equally from national resources.
The warning comes as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) reported receiving 4,183 corruption-related complaints in the last financial year, down from 5,252 in 2022/2023. Of these, 1,846 cases were deemed relevant to the Commission’s mandate and recommended for investigation.
Ruto said the fight against corruption requires personal responsibility from all citizens, starting with honesty at home and in schools.
The President highlighted his administration’s focus on infrastructure development, agriculture reforms, and digital transformation, but emphasized that these programs cannot succeed without ethical leadership and integrity among citizens.
He called on political leaders across all parties to reject ethnic politics and promote national cohesion. According to Ruto, divisive politics and ethnic mobilization undermine development and prevent Kenyans from benefiting equally from national resources.
The warning comes as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) reported receiving 4,183 corruption-related complaints in the last financial year, down from 5,252 in 2022/2023. Of these, 1,846 cases were deemed relevant to the Commission’s mandate and recommended for investigation.
Ruto said the fight against corruption requires personal responsibility from all citizens, starting with honesty at home and in schools.
He urged Kenyans to model ethical behavior for the next generation and to support efforts to strengthen accountability in public institutions.
“Integrity begins at home and in schools. Every small act of honesty matters,” he said.
Civil society groups have consistently raised concerns that corruption threatens Kenya’s long-term economic growth.
The President also linked corruption to public mistrust in government and the uneven distribution of opportunities.
He said that citizens are often deprived of education, healthcare, and employment because of mismanagement of public funds.
Ruto concluded by urging Kenyans to embrace honesty, fairness, and unity, saying these values are critical to achieving Kenya’s economic and social goals.
“Let us build a Kenya where opportunity is available to everyone, not just the few,” he said.
Ruto concluded by urging Kenyans to embrace honesty, fairness, and unity, saying these values are critical to achieving Kenya’s economic and social goals.
“Let us build a Kenya where opportunity is available to everyone, not just the few,” he said.
“We must defend our national unity and rebuild a strong moral foundation for our country.”
The President’s remarks come at a time when public debate continues over the mismanagement of funds and calls for stronger ethical standards in leadership.
The President’s remarks come at a time when public debate continues over the mismanagement of funds and calls for stronger ethical standards in leadership.
