Monday, September 1, 2025 – Former ICT Cabinet Minister Samuel Poghisio has sparked political debate after openly challenging President William Ruto’s commitment to fighting corruption in Kenya.
Speaking at a public forum on Monday, Poghisio took aim at three senior members of Ruto’s Cabinet – Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Health CS Aden Duale, and Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir – accusing them of questionable wealth accumulation.
“Remove the Log in Your Eye,” Poghisio Tells Ruto
In a bold statement, Poghisio said:
“President Ruto, are you willing to remove the log in your own eye – Murkomen, Duale, and Chirchir? Stop condemning a speck elsewhere and look at the log closest to you. They are corrupt, and we all know how they acquired their wealth.”
The former Minister stressed that unless the President acts firmly against corruption within his own Cabinet, Kenyans will lose confidence in his anti-corruption agenda.
Graft at the Top Weakening Public Trust
According to Poghisio, shielding Cabinet members from accountability is one of the main reasons public trust in government reforms has been eroded.
“The President must lead by example. If he does not act against those in his inner circle, Kenyans will doubt whether the anti-corruption fight is sincere,” he argued.
Parliament and Oversight Bodies Must Act
Poghisio further urged Parliament, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and oversight agencies not to remain silent. He warned that selective justice will only deepen frustration among citizens already grappling with high living costs and poor service delivery.
E-Procurement System Faces Resistance
Turning to the Government’s new e-procurement system, which Parliament recently rejected, Poghisio claimed the decision was motivated by vested interests.
“The system threatens those who benefit from loopholes in manual procurement, and that is why it is facing strong opposition,” he said.
According to him, digital procurement would reduce tender corruption, kickbacks, and inflated contracts, but powerful individuals are working hard to block its adoption.
A Challenge to Ruto’s Leadership
Poghisio’s remarks have reignited debate over President Ruto’s anti-graft credentials, with Kenyans now questioning whether the fight against corruption is genuine or simply political rhetoric.
Observers believe that how the President responds to these allegations will determine the credibility of his administration in the eyes of the public.
