Gen Z Calls for Fresh Start in Ruto’s Cabinet Amid Corruption Scandals

Young people, popularly known as Gen Z, have been putting pressure on President William Ruto, demanding that he dismiss all ministers, insisting that they have failed to fulfill their duties and that some are embroiled in corruption scandals.

President Ruto is hesitating to dissolve the cabinet and has yet to explain to Kenyans his strategies to combat corruption within the government.

The call for President Ruto to dissolve his cabinet is a sign that Kenyans have lost faith in the government’s performance, and the Head of State needs to start afresh by appointing new ministers.

Corruption has remained a chronic problem that has crippled the country’s economy for years.

Since President Ruto assumed leadership, corruption has significantly increased.

A report on the state of corruption released last September by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) shows that the average amount of money given as bribes in the country doubled from Sh6,865 in 2022 to Sh11,625 last year.

According to EACC, Kenyans seeking employment in the central government are required to pay bribes of no less than Sh163,260!

This means that if you only have Sh10,000 as a bribe, it is difficult to get services! The country reeks of corruption. Corruption is a poison to future generations, which is why Gen Z wants President Ruto to show efforts in tackling this menace before it destroys the nation.

Although the responsibility of fighting corruption lies with the EACC, the Head of State has the power to combat it by dismissing ministers and other government officials involved in public asset theft scandals.

After finishing their fight against President Ruto, Gen Z should start tackling county governments, which are filled with the stench of corruption, misuse of public resources, and employment favoritism towards relatives of governors and influential government officials.

For example, the EACC report showed that the average bribe given in West Pokot County is Sh56,695, in Nairobi (Sh37,768); Murang’a (Sh18,378); Kisii (Sh16,810); Uasin Gishu (Sh11,136), among other counties. It is shameful that county governments are filled with employees who are relatives of governors, ministers, or senior government officials.

Misuse of public funds in county governments has taken root.

A report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o showed that county governments spent a total of Sh3 billion in three months between July and September 2023 on activities that do not benefit citizens, such as domestic and international trips.

For example, Migori County spent Sh184 million on domestic and international travel.

This kind of misuse of public funds is a betrayal of the devolution system and future generations