Ruto-Raila Coalition and Its Corrupt Profiteers Exposed

The Ruto-Raila coalition promised unity and progress, but behind the scenes, a network of well-connected profiteers is cashing in on Kenya’s political handshake.

From inflated government contracts to backroom deals, a new elite is thriving while ordinary citizens struggle with rising costs and economic instability.

As corruption deepens, key figures close to President William Ruto and Raila Odinga are reaping massive financial rewards at the expense of taxpayers.

Who are these power brokers? And how far does their influence stretch? The answers expose the dark underbelly of Kenya’s coalition government.

Corrupt Powerbrokers Thrive in Ruto-Raila Coalition

Kenya’s coalition government, led by President William Ruto and backed by ODM leader Raila Odinga, faces serious integrity issues.

Reports reveal that influential middlemen are taking advantage of the broad-based government to enrich themselves through bribery, extortion, and rent-seeking.

Ordinary Kenyans suffer as corrupt officials demand kickbacks for government contracts and job placements.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched several initiatives to curb corruption, but these efforts seem ineffective.

Powerbrokers from both Kenya Kwanza and ODM continue to manipulate government deals, undermining transparency and fair competition.

Kickbacks for Contracts and Payments

Businesspeople seeking government tenders, both at the national and county levels, face a harsh reality. They must bribe officials to secure contracts or receive payments for completed projects.

County workers, Members of County Assembly (MCAs), and County Executive Committee (CEC) members demand hefty kickbacks before approving payments.

Their counterparts in the national government engage in similar practices, frustrating businesses that rely on government contracts.

Despite complaints from affected contractors, the government has done little to address these corrupt dealings. Instead, powerbrokers continue to enrich themselves, using their political influence to control procurement processes.

Bribery in Government Job Appointments

Corruption extends beyond tenders. Thousands of qualified Kenyans applied for Principal Secretary (PS) positions after the government announced vacancies. However, many soon realized that merit played little role in the selection process.

Applicants reportedly approached political wheelerdealers from ODM and Kenya Kwanza, hoping to secure government jobs.

These intermediaries demanded bribes ranging from KSh1 million to KSh3 million, promising to get their names on the shortlist.

Unfortunately, most of those who paid never saw their names published in national newspapers. Instead, politically connected individuals secured top government jobs, leaving many highly qualified Kenyans jobless.

Notorious Powerbrokers in the Ruto-Raila Coalition

Corrupt powerbrokers in both ODM and Kenya Kwanza have emerged as key players in these shady deals.

These individuals exploit their political influence to facilitate corruption, making millions through bribery and manipulation.

ODM’s Key Influence Peddlers

• Junet Mohammed – Minority Party Whip
• Jaoko Oburu – Son of EALA MP Oburu Odinga
• Joe Ager – Raila’s close ally, recently appointed to Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisers

Kenya Kwanza’s Key Powerbrokers

• Kimani Ichung’wa – National Assembly Majority Leader
• Oscar Sudi – Kapseret MP
• Silvanus Osoro – South Mugirango MP
• Didmus Barasa – Kimilili MP
• Anthony Mwaura – KERRA Chairman and UDA National Elections Board Chair

These figures use their influence to manipulate government appointments, procurement deals, and other high-level decisions.

Ruto’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

President Ruto has repeatedly promised to fight corruption, but his actions tell a different story. In December, he reassigned Anthony Mwaura from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to chair the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA).

Despite corruption allegations, Mwaura continues to hold a powerful position in government. Ruto’s leadership now faces growing criticism.

Many Kenyans question whether he genuinely intends to fight corruption or if his government merely protects politically connected elites.

Will the Coalition Government Clean Up Its Act?

Kenya’s coalition government is at a crossroads. Will it take firm action against corruption, or will it allow powerbrokers to continue looting public resources?

As ordinary Kenyans struggle with high living costs, joblessness, and economic hardships, corrupt officials continue to amass wealth at their expense. If no action is taken, public trust in the government will continue to erode.

The EACC must intensify its investigations and hold corrupt individuals accountable. Ruto and Raila must also demonstrate political will by distancing themselves from influence peddlers and ensuring fair governance.