KANG'ATA ADMITS CORRUPTION WITHIN RUTO'S GOVERNMENT

While acknowledging the prevalence of corrupt leaders in Kenya, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has faulted the electorate, accusing them of repeatedly voting for the very leaders they label corrupt after receiving handouts from them.

Speaking on a local radio station on Monday, September 1, Kang’ata said Kenyans must abandon the habit of voting based on emotions and campaign money if they truly want to end corruption.

“Why don’t we ever ask where all that money comes from? Unless Kenyans become a little revolutionary and choose leaders without putting money at the center, nothing will change,” Kang’ata remarked.

The governor noted that Kenyan politics has long been associated with wealth, creating fertile ground for corruption and state capture. According to him, voters are easily swayed by lavish displays of money during campaigns, rather than questioning a candidate’s integrity or policies.

“In every election cycle, we see credible candidates flaunting their financial might. Instead of interrogating the source of that wealth, citizens cheer them on—only to later complain when corruption scandals erupt,” he said.

Kang’ata stressed that leadership outcomes are a reflection of voter choices: “If we keep rewarding those who spend the most, then we should not complain when corruption dominates governance.”

He further linked Kenya’s persistent corruption scandals to the expensive nature of campaigns. Kang’ata argued that politicians who spend heavily to win elections often prioritize recovering their investments once in office, undermining service delivery.

The governor called for a shift in political culture, urging Kenyans to value ideas, integrity, and track records over handouts and flashy campaigns.

“This nation will only move forward when we stop electing individuals who treat politics as a business. It is time to put service and integrity above wealth,” he added.

Kang’ata is known for his reserved nature and a commendable track record in economic and infrastructural development in his Murang’a turf. Despite his close ties to President Ruto, he has remained outspoken against corruption.

His firm stance costed him the position of Senate Majority Whip under former President Uhuru Kenyatta—framing him as a leader willing to sacrifice personal gain for the good of his constituents. However, allegations of corruption within Ruto’s inner circle now threaten to undermine his anti-corruption template.