No sacred cows in graft war, says Ruto

President William Ruto, when he opened the 9th Devolution Conference, Homa Bay County, on August 13, 2025. /PCS

President William Ruto has restated his zero-tolerance position on corruption, vowing not to shield any government official accused of graft.

Speaking at the official opening of the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay on Wednesday, Ruto warned that no one will be spared if found culpable.

“I have made it clear to the chair of the Anti-Corruption Commission and to the CEO that there will be no sacred cows and there will be no telephone call from anywhere below or above to stop anybody from being prosecuted for matters of corruption,” he said.

Ruto urged accountability agencies to act “as efficiently and as effectively, with accountability, as the law and the Constitution mandate them,” without political interference.

The President also expressed concern over reports alleging that some parliamentary committees may seek inducements from Executive officials they summon over accountability matters.

“It’s not possible that committees of Parliament demand payment for them to write reports or to overlook issues in either the national or county governments,” he said.

“It cannot continue to be business as usual.”

Ruto’s remarks came weeks after he signed into law the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023, describing it as a bold step in the fight against corruption.

The law, which took effect on July 30, sets strict rules to ensure public officers serve with integrity, transparency and accountability.

The Act consolidates various laws on conflict of interest and gives the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) a stronger mandate to enforce them.

It bars public officers from granting preferential treatment, being influenced by outside forces, or contracting with their departments for goods or services, among other prohibited practices under Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.

“By anchoring enforcement of the law under the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, we are strengthening institutions and restoring trust in public service,” Ruto said during the signing ceremony at State House, Nairobi.

In his address at the devolution conference, Ruto called for a “whole-of-society” approach in tackling corruption, warning that oversight entities cannot afford complacency if the war on graft is to be won.