AfriCOG raises alarm over rising graft, debts under Ruto’s administration
The 2024 report highlights systemic failures in governance and accountability, describing the situation as a crisis threatening Kenya’s stability.
The African Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) has released a report accusing President William Ruto’s administration of fostering a culture of corruption, rampant misuse of public funds, and a worrying surge in external borrowing.
Released to coincide with International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday, the 2024 report highlights systemic failures in governance and accountability, describing the situation as a crisis threatening Kenya’s stability.
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AfriCOG cites the acquisition of 36 new loans worth 900 billion shillings in the past year alone, much of it from commercial lenders.
“The lack of accountability regarding the expenditure of these funds is alarming,” the report reads, warning that unchecked borrowing is deepening Kenya’s economic challenges.
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The organisation also raised concerns about the erosion of trust in key anti-corruption institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Declined reports
Reports to the EACC have plummeted to just 5,000 in the past year, compared to 10,000 five years ago, reflecting waning public confidence in institutions tasked with fighting graft.
The report accused the administration of using the criminal justice system to shield its allies and intimidate opponents.
It cited high-profile cases such as that of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose economic crime charges were dropped after he became Deputy President.
Similarly, corruption charges against Wycliffe Oparanya, the former Kakamega Governor, were withdrawn following his nomination as a Cabinet Secretary by President Ruto.
“These actions undermine the rule of law and create a patron-client system where those in power are protected at the expense of accountability,” the report reads further.
AfriCOG further criticised the government’s controversial policies, including the proposed leasing of Kenya’s international airport to India’s Adani Group and the contentious Adani-KETRACO power transmission deal.
These moves, combined with punitive tax measures and the push to appoint Chief Administrative Secretaries, have fueled public outrage.
The organisation warned that Kenya’s rising public debt, coupled with poor transparency, poses a significant threat to the country’s economic future.
“The administration has perpetuated the debt practices of its predecessor, with little regard for the long-term implications,” the report adds.
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