Government not interfering with the fight against corruption, says Ruto

Eldoret, Kenya: The Government will not interfere with the mandate of constitutional bodies charged with the responsibility of fighting corruption, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

Mr. Ruto said the move by the Opposition to accuse the Government that it was not serious in the fight against corruption was insincere.

Speaking at the African Inland Church  (AIC) Missionary College in Eldoret town during Sunday Service, Mr. Ruto said the constitution was clear on the bodies responsible for the fight against corruption saying the work of the Government was well spelled out in the constitution.

“The constitution is clear on the independent bodies charged with the fight against corruption as in the case of Parliament, the Judiciary as well as Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission among other bodies,” said Mr. Ruto.

“We have deployed enough resources and support to those charged with the fight against corruption and ensure proper management of public resources and there is no way the Government can interfere with the operations of such bodies,” he said.

Mr. Ruto wondered why the Opposition was blaming the Government over cases of corruption and yet the constitution was clear on who was responsible in the fight against the vice.

“What is surprising is that the Opposition is accusing the Government on cases of corruption and yet the bodies charged with the responsibility of fighting corruption were formed when those in Opposition were in charge of the former Narc and the Coalition (nusu mkate) governments,” said Mr. Ruto.

“I mean some of these institutions fighting corruption at the moment were set up during the time when our colleagues in the Opposition were in power. They should not give us lectures and instead shut up as we are cleaning their mess,” added Mr. Ruto.

The Deputy President said some of the corrupt allegations rocking some bodies were allegedly being perpetuated by leaders associated to the parties in Opposition saying they should put its house in order before criticizing the Government.

“Those in the Opposition should first search their souls before accusing us,” said the Deputy President.

Sounding warning to corrupt civil servants, the Deputy President said the Government would not defend them saying they would be held responsible for their own deeds.

“As a Government we are clear on our mandate. Public servants must know that they would be held responsible to account for resources under their watch,” said Mr. Ruto.

“There will be no orders from above or telephone calls as far as operations are concerned as in the case of procurement,” he added.

The Deputy President at the same time assured churches that the Government would not interfere with their management but only wishes to streamline their operations to ensure their evangelical work was in line with Christ Teachings.

Mr. Ruto said denominations should be used in following true teachings of Christ and for the good of the society.

“The recent move to come up with laws or register churches was not aimed at limiting them but to ensure Christ Teachings are adhered to as contained in the scriptures,” said Mr. Ruto.

He said the country had recently witnessed some instances where Kenyans had fallen prey to unscrupulous preachers demanding for money from Kenyans in the name of performing miracles.

“We want to get rid of those hiding in churches doing funny things contrary to Christ teachings. We should get rid of those masquerading as preachers and yet they were not,” added Mr. Ruto.

The Deputy President also hailed the role played by churches in peace building and reconciliation.

He said church organizations have played an important role in the development of health and education and assured them of Government’s support in implementing their projects aimed at improving the people’s living standards.

Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago urged churches to pray for peace and stability in the country.

He said churches were true partners on matters of development adding that the County government will work closely with them on matters of development.

AIC presiding Bishop, Kenya, Silas Yego said the church would continue to support the Government for the common good of the people.