Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Civil Service, has issued one of the strongest statements yet on corruption in public service, linking the unfolding oil saga to a broader government push to enforce discipline, accountability, and institutional integrity across the entire civil service.
Speaking with firm authority, Ruku framed the scandal as a serious betrayal of public trust, warning that corruption in the energy sector has far-reaching consequences for citizens’ daily lives. He noted that malpractice in such a critical sector does not remain confined to offices and boardrooms—it spills over into society through rising fuel prices, increased transport costs, and a general escalation in the cost of living.
He stressed that the government is no longer in a phase of warnings and appeals, but in a decisive enforcement phase aimed at restoring order in public institutions. According to him, the civil service must now operate under strict standards of transparency, professionalism, and accountability, or face consequences.
Ruku pointed to ongoing investigations led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations as evidence that the state is taking firm action against malpractice linked to the oil saga. While investigations are still ongoing, he emphasised that the developments mark a clear shift toward a no-nonsense approach in dealing with corruption across government systems.
He added that the current crackdown is not symbolic, but structural—aimed at correcting deep-rooted weaknesses that have allowed malpractice to persist within public institutions for years.
At the same time, Ruku revealed that several public institutions have been flagged for engaging in malpractice, raising serious concerns about systemic failures in procurement, oversight, and internal controls. He warned that corruption is driven not only by individuals but also by weak systems, poor supervision, and institutional silence.
In his view, malpractice survives when institutions fail to act decisively. He therefore called for urgent internal reforms within public agencies to close loopholes that have historically allowed irregular practices to thrive.
Ruku also urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to broaden the scope of investigations beyond individuals to include institutional frameworks. According to him, real reform requires dismantling the networks and systems that sustain corruption, not just punishing those who are caught.
He emphasised that accountability must be both personal and institutional, noting that focusing on individuals alone will not eliminate the deeper structural problems affecting the civil service.
In one of the most striking parts of his remarks, Ruku issued a strong appeal for all public servants and citizens to respect the Office of the Presidency, emphasising that national leadership must be protected even as accountability processes continue.
He clarified that respecting the Presidency does not mean shielding wrongdoing or interfering with investigations. Instead, it means ensuring that all reforms, investigations, and public communications are conducted in a manner that preserves institutional order and national stability.
According to him, the civil service and investigative bodies must operate within a coordinated framework that avoids institutional conflict or actions that could undermine governance structures. He warned against any behaviour that could politicise ongoing investigations or weaken public confidence in state institutions.
Ruku stressed that discipline within the civil service is now non-negotiable. Public officers, he said, must maintain professionalism at all times, particularly when handling sensitive investigations or interacting with institutions at the centre of national governance.
He further cautioned that the government will not tolerate negligence, silence, or complicity in matters involving corruption. Any officer or institution that fails to act on clear warning signs will be considered part of the problem and held accountable accordingly.
Despite the firm tone, Ruku also acknowledged the role of ethical public servants who continue to uphold integrity within the system. He urged them to remain steadfast and to support ongoing reforms aimed at restoring trust in government institutions.
He reiterated that the civil service must now undergo a culture shift, moving away from tolerance of irregularities toward strict adherence to rules, systems, and ethical conduct. This transformation, he said, is essential if Kenya is to rebuild public confidence in governance.
In the broader context of Kenya, Ruku’s remarks reflect a renewed, aggressive push by the government to confront corruption at all levels of public administration. The oil saga, he noted, is not an isolated incident but a stress test for the entire governance system, exposing both individual failures and institutional weaknesses.
He warned that without sustained reform, similar scandals will continue to emerge, regardless of how many arrests are made. This is why, he argued, structural reform of institutions is just as important as enforcement actions against individuals.
Ruku also emphasised the importance of coordination among state agencies. He called for stronger collaboration between oversight bodies, investigative agencies, and civil service leadership to ensure that reforms are implemented effectively and consistently.
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As his remarks drew to a close, Ruku delivered a final and unambiguous message: there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. No individual, regardless of rank or influence, and no institution, regardless of history or status, will be exempt from accountability.
At the same time, he insisted that respect for national institutions—especially the Presidency—must be upheld to preserve stability and ensure that reforms are not derailed by institutional disorder or conflict.
Ultimately, his message outlined a dual mandate for the civil service: enforce accountability without fear or favour, and maintain institutional discipline at all times. Both, he said, are essential if the country is to succeed in its fight against corruption.
As investigations continue and reforms deepen across government systems, Ruku’s stance signals a defining moment in public-sector governance—one in which enforcement, discipline, and institutional respect are being elevated as pillars of a new administrative order in Kenya.
By Hillary Muhalya
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