- President William Ruto achieved a record number of nominations for the OCCRP’s ‘Corrupt Person of the Year’ title.
- OCCRP, a global investigative journalism network, highlights corruption and organized crime.
- Despite his overwhelming nominations, Ruto ranked second to Bashar Al-Assad, the deposed Syrian president.
- Kenyan citizens nominated Ruto due to grievances about corruption, unemployment, and controversial policies.
In an extraordinary turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has made history by receiving the highest number of public nominations in the history of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) for their controversial ‘Corrupt Person of the Year’ title. This global award, established in 2012, seeks to shine a spotlight on individuals or institutions perceived as having significantly contributed to advancing corruption and organized criminal activities worldwide.
The OCCRP, a coalition of investigative journalists established in 2006, invited public nominations for this dubious honor in November. When the results were unveiled, former Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad secured the top spot, with Ruto following closely as the first runner-up. The announcement sparked widespread debate and a flurry of reactions from Kenyans and global observers alike.
The Record-Breaking Nominations
According to the OCCRP, Ruto’s candidacy garnered over 40,000 public nominations, breaking all previous records for the platform. This remarkable outpouring of public sentiment reflected the frustrations of many Kenyans, who highlighted corruption, rising unemployment, and contentious government policies as their primary grievances.
In their statement, OCCRP noted, “Kenyans called out corruption, youth unemployment, and a contentious finance bill. Their extraordinary outpouring and demands for accountability were remarkable.”
The unprecedented public response painted a vivid picture of dissatisfaction with Ruto’s administration, particularly regarding economic instability and allegations of greed within government ranks. However, despite receiving overwhelming support from the public nominations, the final decision rested with a panel of judges, who ultimately awarded the title to Bashar Al-Assad.
Bashar Al-Assad: The ‘Winner’ of Infamy
The OCCRP panel’s decision to crown Assad as the ‘Corrupt Person of the Year’ was based on the extensive and devastating impact of his regime. The former Syrian leader’s administration was characterized by atrocities including mass graves, chemical weapon attacks, and widespread corruption.
OCCRP’s statement emphasized Assad’s role in turning Syria into a narco-state, financing his regime through organized crime, including the production and trafficking of Captagon, an addictive street drug. “Assad’s regime didn’t just oppress Syrians — it spread violence, drugs, and corruption across the region. From mass graves to chemical weapons, his rule left a devastating legacy of destruction,” the organization stated.
Kenyan Reactions: Anger and Disappointment
The announcement triggered a wave of reactions on social media, particularly from Kenyans who felt Ruto deserved the top dishonor. Many criticized the OCCRP’s process, arguing that public nominations should have carried more weight in determining the outcome.
“You have clearly said that William Ruto received the most public nominations in your own history and yet you go ahead and award someone who you openly admit Ruto beat! How? How can an anti-corruption organization dish out awards corruptly?” asked James Kamau on X (formerly Twitter).
Others expressed dismay at the apparent futility of the public voting process. “This was a useless effort on your part. Why get people to vote and then veto their choice? Shouldn’t the person with the most votes automatically get the top spot? If not, then what was the entire voting exercise for?” another user questioned.
In a more humorous take, Kangethe Irungu remarked, “Imagine losing a corruption competition because of corruption in the competition!”
The sentiments underscored a collective sense of disenfranchisement among Kenyans, many of whom believed their voices had been disregarded despite their overwhelming participation in the process.
The Broader Context of Kenyan Frustrations
The significant number of nominations Ruto received can be traced to widespread dissatisfaction with his administration’s handling of key issues. Chief among these were allegations of corruption, soaring unemployment rates, and the introduction of a contentious finance bill that many Kenyans viewed as exploitative.
Ruto’s government has faced sustained criticism for policies perceived as favoring the elite while burdening ordinary citizens. Protests against these measures have frequently resulted in violence, arrests, and even reports of disappearances, further fueling public outrage.
OCCRP highlighted these dynamics in their analysis, stating, “Ruto’s government has faced accusations of greed and corruption, with policies that have fueled economic instability.”
The public’s response to the OCCRP nomination process reflects a broader desire for accountability and justice. While Ruto did not “win” the title, the extraordinary public outpouring serves as a testament to the growing frustration and demand for change among Kenyans.
A Divisive Decision
The OCCRP’s decision to award Bashar Al-Assad instead of William Ruto was seen by some as a missed opportunity to acknowledge the unique dynamics of Kenya’s political landscape. Critics argued that the organization’s choice overlooked the significance of public participation in the nomination process.
However, the OCCRP defended their decision, emphasizing that their panel’s judgment considered the broader global impact of the nominees’ actions. “While Ruto didn’t ‘win’ Person of the Year, the extraordinary public outpouring highlights global demands for justice and accountability,” they said in their statement.
Lessons and Reflections
The unprecedented attention surrounding Ruto’s nomination offers valuable insights into the power of collective public action and the global spotlight on corruption. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of platforms like the OCCRP in amplifying public voices and driving accountability.
For Kenya, the episode underscores the urgent need for meaningful reforms to address the systemic issues fueling public discontent. As citizens continue to demand transparency and accountability, the pressure on leaders to deliver tangible change is likely to grow.
The OCCRP’s 2024 ‘Corrupt Person of the Year’ title has sparked intense debate and reflection, both within Kenya and beyond. While Bashar Al-Assad’s actions undoubtedly merit global condemnation, the record-breaking nominations for William Ruto reveal a profound dissatisfaction with his leadership among Kenyans.
As the dust settles on this contentious outcome, one thing is clear: the demand for justice, transparency, and accountability is stronger than ever. Whether this momentum will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen, but the voices of over 40,000 Kenyans have undeniably left an indelible mark on the global stage.
