You have failed Kenyans, Gachagua tells Ruto

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has forwarded 43 graft-related cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over a period of three months, signaling a renewed focus on tackling corruption within Kenya's political and administrative systems. The move comes amid growing public scrutiny and criticism of the current administration, particularly regarding its commitment to anti-corruption efforts. These files cover a range of allegations involving high-profile individuals and institutions, including demands for refunds related to land deals and accusations of systemic failures in enforcing legal and ethical standards. Over the past three months, the EACC has systematically reviewed and submitted these cases to the DPP for further prosecution. This includes matters linked to the Ruaraka land controversy, where the commission has reportedly demanded a refund of Sh2.5 billion from former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Paul Belio. The case centers around alleged irregularities in the allocation and management of land in Ruaraka, which has long been a focal point of corruption allegations. The EACC's demand underscores concerns over misuse of public resources and the need for accountability among senior officials. In a separate development, Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has publicly criticized President William Ruto for failing to deliver on key campaign promises, including the fight against corruption. Speaking at a media briefing at the DCP headquarters in Nairobi on August 11, 2026, Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of undermining democratic principles and allowing corruption to flourish. He claimed that the government had not fulfilled its pledge to professionalize the National Police Service, protect human rights, and ensure the accountability of security agencies. Gachagua highlighted specific issues, such as the lack of progress in amending and operationalizing the National Coroners Service Act of 2017. This legislation was intended to establish the Coroner General’s office to handle investigations into unexplained deaths independently of the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). According to Gachagua, the failure to implement this act has left the system vulnerable to conflicts of interest and lack of transparency in handling sensitive cases. Additionally, he pointed to instances where the government allegedly facilitated the arrest and rendition of critics from neighboring countries, including Turkey, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. He cited the deportation of Chinese nationals working for a construction firm after they protested the awarding of contracts to rival companies. These actions, he argued, reflect a broader pattern of intolerance towards dissent and a disregard for international norms. Gachagua also raised concerns about the safety of journalists and foreign nationals in Kenya. He referenced the attempted abduction of Standard Group’s Associated Editor Alex Kiprotich in Nakuru on June 26, 2026, and warned that the government's reliance on disinformation campaigns has compromised the freedom of the press. He emphasized that the administration's failure to combat corruption has led to a culture where graft is normalized, endangering both local citizens and foreign investors. The EACC’s submission of these 43 cases to the DPP represents a critical step in holding public officials accountable. However, the effectiveness of these prosecutions will depend on the DPP’s ability to process and prioritize them, especially given the backlog of cases and resource constraints. Meanwhile, the opposition continues to push for greater transparency and adherence to constitutional principles, highlighting the ongoing tension between the executive branch and watchdog institutions. The situation reflects a complex interplay of political dynamics, institutional challenges, and public expectations. As the EACC moves forward with its mandate, the response from the judiciary and the public will be crucial in determining whether these efforts translate into meaningful reforms or remain symbolic gestures. The upcoming months will likely see increased pressure on the government to demonstrate tangible progress in addressing corruption and restoring public confidence in governance structures.