Ruto Tells Church to Support War on Corruption

President William Ruto has called on the church to take a more active role in the fight against corruption, describing it as a moral crisis that threatens Kenya’s development and justice systems.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet, President Ruto urged religious leaders to join national efforts to eliminate corruption and economic sabotage. He warned that individuals involved in the misappropriation of public funds would face legal action, including prosecution and the recovery of stolen assets. He emphasised that the country’s ambition to achieve economic progress similar to nations like Singapore and Malaysia depends on tackling entrenched graft.

The event, held at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex, also marked the installation of Right Reverend Bishop John Kiplimo Lelei. It was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus Maria van Megen, and attended by several Catholic bishops, governors, and elected officials. Ruto’s remarks highlighted his broader push to involve moral institutions in national governance reforms.

A key part of his address focused on corruption within the newly formed Social Health Authority (SHA), which is designed to improve access to healthcare. The president condemned the theft of funds intended for medical services, describing it as particularly serious. He pledged firm action against those found guilty and encouraged more Kenyans to register with the SHA to support accurate planning and service delivery. In Nandi County, 450,000 people have registered, while around 400,000 remain outside the system.

Ruto also outlined development plans intended to address long-standing economic and structural challenges. He defended the affordable housing programme as a solution to land fragmentation, which he said had made many small farms unsustainable. Vertical housing developments, he argued, would help create jobs and strengthen food security.

In addition, the president announced funding for key infrastructure projects in Kapsabet. These include Sh3.6 billion for road upgrades, Sh1.4 billion to extend electricity to 20,000 more households, and Sh760 million for the construction of a new stadium to promote sports and local engagement. 

He also addressed the need for greater national unity, warning against ethnic divisions and calling for a collective focus on development. He said promoting social cohesion is essential for Kenya to compete effectively on the global stage.