President William Ruto has unveiled a bold plan to tighten Kenya’s battle against corruption. He has formed a new multi-agency team that brings together key state organs. The aim: to sharpen coordination and close gaps in fighting graft and economic crimes.
He issued a presidential proclamation on 18 August 2025 to launch the Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption (MAT-WAC). The group gathers ten institutions, such as the National Intelligence Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Central Bank, the Kenya Revenue Authority, and others. The Executive Office of the President will chair the team, with the Attorney-General’s office serving as secretariat.
The MAT-WAC is tasked with improving collaboration on investigations, prosecutions, financial intelligence and tracing illicit assets. It will also work with both public and private partners, locally and abroad. The team must spot weak spots in resources, share best practices and coordinate public communication on anti-corruption progress.
Funding will come from the budgets of member bodies and from other official channels. As the proclamation states, “The MAT shall, to the greatest extent possible, foster cooperation, coordination and collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of the fight against corruption”.
Yet, not everyone is convinced. A group of petitioners has already challenged the move in court. They argue the President has no constitutional mandate to create such a body, as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission already holds that authority under the Constitution. They describe the task force as “constitutional overreach” and have asked the High Court for conservatory orders to halt its work.
Critics also worry that pulling institutions like the central bank, the prosecution service and intelligence offices into a presidential team may dilute their independence and invite political interference.
Supporters, however, note that the move is in line with previous recommendations to harmonize anti-graft efforts. They point to reforms such as the Conflict of Interest Act and amendments to anti-money-laundering law that have bolstered Kenya’s legal framework in recent months.
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