Ruto ranked most corrupt person globally after ousted Syrian president Assad
According to OCCRP, Ruto received the most public nominations in the organisation's history.
The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has handed the title of "Corrupt Person of the Year 2024" to ousted Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad while rendering an overwhelming vote for President William Ruto for the second position.
The investigative journalism organisation explained that the former Syrian leader received the top dishonour title for the "far-reaching and devastating impact" his actions had on his country.
More To Read
- Bashar al-Assad's uncle Rifaat flew from Beirut to Dubai, Lebanese officials say
- National Treasury asks Kenyans to give input on 2025/26 budget proposals
- Demoralised conscripts, absent allies: How Bashar al-Assad's army collapsed in Syria
- UN rights chief urges accountability in Syria, sees huge chance for fair transition
"While Ruto didn't 'win' person of the year, the extraordinary public outpouring highlights global demands for justice and accountability," OCCRP said.
Over 40,000 participants nominated Ruto for the top slot, accusing his government of greed and corruption, youth unemployment, and a contentious finance Bill.
"Their extraordinary outpouring and demands for accountability were remarkable," said OCCRP, adding that Ruto's government has faced accusations of coming up with policies that have fuelled economic instability and that protests against his government have led to violence, arrests, and disappearances, further fuelling public outrage.
The organisation measured the magnitude of the ousted Syrian president as having turned Syria into a narco-state, financing his authoritarian regime through an array of organised crime, including the production and trafficking of Captagon, an addictive street drug.
It further noted that Assad's regime didn't just oppress Syrians but also spread violence, drugs, and corruption across the region. From mass graves to chemical weapons, his rule left a devastating legacy of destruction.
"The political, economic, and social damage caused by Assad, both in Syria and in the region, will take decades to overcome," said Alia Ibrahim, one of our judges.
The annual awards included a new category dubbed "Lifetime Non-Achievement Award that went to President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, one of the longest-serving dictators in the world.
"Since 1979, Obiang has used fear, forced disappearances and torture to silence dissent. While his country is rich in oil and gas, much of its wealth has been plundered by Obiang and other ruling elite who live lavish lifestyles while the rest of the population suffers in poverty," said OCCRP.
Top Tags of the Day
Trending
