William Ruto Commits To Support Prosecution Of Gov't Officials Involved In Corruption

• William Ruto, while taking pride in the commitment of Kenyans to play their citizenry role of paying taxes owed to protect the monies
• The head of state was addressing the nation on Tuesday, December 12, at Nairobi's Uhuru Gardens, where he led Kenyans in marking the 60th edition of Jamhuri Day
• Ruto restated his readiness to partner with independent institutions, with the Judiciary at the forefront, in prosecuting those implicated in corruption and theft of public monies

Nairobi - President William Ruto has assured Kenyans he will step up the fight against corruption in his administration.

Addressing the nation from Nairobi's Uhuru Gardens, where he presided over this year's edition of the Jamhuri Day celebrations, the president noted that it was in his place to safeguard what belongs to Kenyans who do their bit by remitting taxes to run the economy.

Ruto's plan to combat corruption

The president told his audience that the proceeds from the tax regimes would be put to the intended use without any ending in the pockets of the custodians.

This, he said, while putting on notice government officials who tend to help themselves from the public coffers.

For that, Ruto offered to bolster efforts to bring to book and prosecute those implicated in cases of corruption and the embezzlement of public funds.

"I urge our justice, law and order institutions, led by the Judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies, to discharge their mandate without fear, favour, ill-will or prejudice. I also give my personal undertaking to support the prosecution of all those involved in corruption, without regard to their social, economic or political status or connections, ethnicity or any other consideration whatsoever. This is the minimum that is expected of us in fulfilment of our constitutional mandate, and Kenyans deserve no less," said Ruto.

At the same time, the president announced visa-free entry into the country for all international travellers.

Visa-free entry to Kenya

He emphasised that the digital system, kicking off in January 2024, would eliminate the need for visitors to apply for visas, a process that typically takes time.

"Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It will no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," he declared.

The head of state indicated that all visitors entering the country will be required to register on an electronic platform and obtain an electronic travel authorisation.

"To implement this new policy, we have developed a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform; consequently, all travellers will obtain electronic travel authorisation as they come to Kenya," added the president.

The abolishment is part of a broader embrace of globalisation and the opening of borders to drive the country's socio-economic development.