Ruto proposes changes to six-month resolution of corruption cases

President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce amendments to the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code to speed up the investigation and prosecution of corruption and economic crimes.

These reforms would ensure that such cases would be concluded within six months, he explained.

During a ceremony to hand over the assets acquired through corruption, Ruto stressed that these legislative changes would streamline legal processes and increase accountability in the fight against corruption.

In addition, the President pointed to upcoming changes to the Witness Protection Act aimed at strengthening the framework for protection and incentives for whistleblowers.

The changes aim to provide greater security for those who report corruption and criminal activities and to make it easier for citizens to report cases without fear of reprisal.

“We will also propose amendments to the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act to overhaul the institutional framework of public procurement, a key area for corruption and abuse of office in the public sector,” Ruto said.

The aim is to create a transparent, digital procurement platform that gives the public real-time insight into the entire process from tendering to contract award.

The President also called on Parliament to speed up the passage of the Conflict of Interest Law and threatened to veto any version of the law that did not meet high standards of integrity and anti-corruption.

Ruto commended the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for its efforts in recovering assets worth Ksh28 billion over the last five years and preventing the loss of another Ksh41 billion through corruption prevention strategies.

The President also commended the EACC for its efforts to recover the loss of unexplained assets valued at Ksh59 billion, which is currently being contested in court.

He also commended the EACC's role in reclaiming land illegally seized from the Meteorological Agency, which is now being used to build affordable housing in Nairobi's industrial area, benefiting many Kenyans in need of economic integration.