December 30, 2024
President William Ruto of Kenya has been ranked as the second most corrupt leader in the world, according to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The ranking, based on public nominations, saw Ruto receive over 40,000 submissions—the highest in OCCRP history. Only Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad surpassed him to claim the top spot.
The ranking has drawn significant attention to President Ruto’s administration, with many Kenyans highlighting issues such as rampant corruption, youth unemployment, and a divisive finance bill that sparked widespread criticism earlier this year.
OCCRP, an international investigative journalism network, compiles its annual rankings based on nominations from the public and assessments of leaders’ involvement in organized crime, corruption, and abuse of power.
For President Ruto, the criticism has centered on allegations of misappropriated funds, favoritism in public appointments, and the government’s handling of pressing economic challenges. Youth unemployment, a persistent issue in Kenya, has been exacerbated under his leadership, leaving many young Kenyans frustrated and disillusioned.
The contentious finance bill, which introduced new taxes on essential goods and services, further fueled public discontent, with many accusing the administration of prioritizing revenue collection over the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Ruto’s administration has not yet responded to the OCCRP ranking, but the report has intensified debates within Kenya about governance, transparency, and accountability.
The OCCRP rankings underscore the global impact of corruption and abuse of power, with calls for stronger mechanisms to address these issues at both national and international levels.
CMP Publications will continue monitoring reactions and developments related to this ranking.