DP Ruto's allies should stop twisting Uhuru on graft

Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered the State of the Nation address pursuant to Article 132 of the Constitution, which requires him to address a special session of Parliament at least once a year. The expectations were high that the top State officers, who had been adversely implicated in mega corruption scandals, would be sacked just like in 2015.

However, he took a different approach and this immediately triggered varied reactions. As Opposition leaders praised his speech, Deputy President William Ruto and his allies resorted to blowing hot and cold. Some alleged the speech was less inspiring, while others argued the President had made the right move of "backtracking".

Well, my considered view is that the President has not changed his stand on corruption. With the backing of opposition leaders, he strongly believes that this war will be won. In his State of the Nation address, he attributed the efforts made so far, in this front, to his handshake with NASA leader Raila Odinga.

Uhuru reaffirmed his commitment to fight graft and work with all the leaders who believe in this war. However, he said, he would change strategy. He said he is a firm believer in tenets of democracy and constitutionalism. As such, he will allowdue process of law to take its course.

Unlike in 2015, he observed that he has faith in the anti-graft agencies. The position of Kenyans is clear. They want those who have stolen their hard-earned taxes and foreign loans to be prosecuted. All the looted money must be recovered and the culprits sent to jail. I have no doubt the agencies will deliver on this. Once arraigned in courts, the suspects must leave office.