‘I will deal with corrupt officials!’ CS Ruku warns after EACC report exposes bribery

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has warned corrupt public officials of swift action following a damning report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission exposing widespread graft, with the judiciary topping the list of high-value bribe recipients.

Speaking during the launch of the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey, 2025, at Safari Park Hotel on Friday, Ruku said the government will not tolerate corruption in public service.

“I will act with supersonic speed to deal with any corrupt officer in my ministry before the President takes action on me. I will not allow anyone to derail institutions or departments under my ministry through corruption,” he said.

The EACC report paints a grim picture across sectors, revealing that magistrates receive the highest average bribe at Ksh.164,367, more than any other category of public servant, with most payments made in cash.

Ruku said the findings will support ongoing efforts to clean up public institutions, including the National Youth Service, noting that collaboration with EACC has already led to the identification and removal of suspected corrupt officials.

He emphasised that the fight against corruption requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, the judiciary, and the public.

Ruku urged Kenyans to trust government processes, noting that the Ministry has fast-tracked access to public services to reduce opportunities for bribery.

“Citizens should adhere to the timelines outlined in publicly displayed service charters and avoid shortcuts that fuel corruption,” he said.

He pointed to Huduma Centres as a model for efficient service delivery, saying services are provided within stipulated timelines, with challenges addressed promptly and feedback encouraged.

The CS reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability and quality service delivery as enshrined in the Constitution, calling on all government departments and agencies to onboard services at Huduma Centres to enhance access.

He further noted that the government is investing in capacity building and improving the welfare of public servants to boost service delivery, citing a recent salary increment backdated to July 2025.

“Public servants have no reason not to serve Kenyans well,” he stated.

At the same time, the CS criticised the opposition for politicising the fight against corruption.

“It is unfortunate that some oppose government efforts blindly for political gain. Criticism should be objective and not driven by cheap politics,” he added.

The survey also highlights the gendered burden of corruption, showing that women disproportionately suffer when accessing essential services such as healthcare and education, often facing petty bribery, extortion and “sextortion.”

Stakeholders, including the National Gender and Equality Commission and Transparency International Kenya, called for stronger collaboration and public participation in reporting graft, expressing optimism that the report will guide targeted interventions to curb corruption while advancing gender equality.