Odinga and Ruto Clash Over Corruption Fight

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has challenged the commitment of Deputy President William Ruto to the fight against corruption.

His comments come in relation to claims made by Ruto concerning the Sh20billion phantom dam scandal, in which it is alleged that the Treasury dispensed large amount of money for projects that never materialised. The allegations are currently subject to an investigation by the country’s Directorate for Criminal Investigations. 

"If you are talking about the theft of dams and figures, don't come and tell us it was not Sh20 billion and only Sh7 billion. Let the investigating authorities tell us. Who are you to tell us? How did you know?" Odinga is quoted as saying.

Addressing the challenge of exposing corruption in Kenya more broadly, the opposition ODM leader stated, "Corruption exists in all countries in the world. The difference is what is done when it is discovered. Here in Kenya, instead of politicians leaving the institutions charged with the responsibility to investigate, they take it upon themselves to do so in funerals.”

Odinga is reported as accusing the government of frustrating efforts to tackle graft.