Ruto warns Judiciary against shielding corrupt officials
By Ascah Mwango, August 13, 2025President William Ruto has urged the Judiciary to stop protecting corrupt individuals, warning that the fight against graft is being undermined by questionable legal practices.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, during the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, Ruto criticised the use of anticipatory bail, saying it prevents suspects from being arrested and prosecuted.
He argued that the practice is increasingly being exploited by individuals accused of stealing public funds or breaching the law, effectively halting investigations and prosecutions before they begin.
“Don’t be a haven for the corrupt to hide behind judicial decisions. We have an innovation that is only available in Kenya that allows a corrupt person, someone who has stolen public funds, or somebody in breach of the law, not to be prosecuted. The anticipatory bail is an innovation that takes us backwards,” Ruto said.
Ruto questioned the logic behind granting such bail to suspects facing serious corruption allegations, pointing out that it undermines accountability and erodes public trust in the justice system. He stressed that the courts should not become safe havens for the corrupt and urged the Judiciary to re-evaluate legal procedures that could be weaponised to obstruct justice.
“Just let us ask ourselves, someone who has stolen public funds goes to court and asks for anticipatory bail, making it impossible for such a person to be arrested and prosecuted, how does that help in the fight against corruption? That is something we must ask our friends at the Judiciary,” he added.
Ruto said his administration is committed to transforming Kenya but warned that corruption continues to undermine progress. He called on all arms of government to work together to ensure public resources are protected and used for their intended purpose.
“We are undertaking a transformation in Kenya, but it is being undermined by corruption. All arms of government and agencies must work together to ensure public resources are used for the purpose they are intended for,” he said.
No favour
The President also warned that no one will be spared in the fight against graft, regardless of their position or political influence.
“I have made it clear to the Chair and CEO of EACC that there will be no sacred cow, that there will be no telephone call from anywhere, below or above, to stop anybody from being prosecuted on matters of corruption,” he said.
Ruto disclosed that he has already strengthened the country’s anti-corruption framework by signing the Conflict of Interest Bill into law a few weeks ago. He said the legislation will seal loopholes that have allowed public officials to exploit their positions for personal gain.
“I did sign into law, a few weeks ago, legislation that will fight against corruption by signing into law the Conflict of Interest Bill. I do expect that agencies charged with making sure there is accountability at all levels of government take up their role as efficiently and effectively as the law and Constitution mandate them,” he stated.
He urged oversight bodies to embrace their constitutional mandate fully, stressing the need for efficiency, integrity, and transparency in holding public officers accountable.