In Kenya, a shadowy tradition has persisted for generations, shrouded in mystery and fear—the phenomenon of the night runners. These individuals are believed to be possessed by demonic spirits, compelling them to terrorize their neighbors under the cloak of darkness. Despite being a topic of local lore, the true identity and motivations of night runners have largely remained elusive. However, in a groundbreaking investigation, renowned Kenyan journalist Tom Odula, reporting for BBC Africa Eye, ventured into this enigmatic world to shed light on the reality behind the myths. Odula's documentary, "Meet the Night Runners," offers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of those who partake in this clandestine practice. The film captures exclusive footage of night runners in action, providing viewers with a rare opportunity to witness their nocturnal activities firsthand. Through in-depth interviews and immersive storytelling, Odula explores the cultural signific...
Photo Courtesy: Facebook Page "William Ruto"
Kenya's President William Ruto has made headlines by receiving unprecedented public nominations for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) ‘Corrupt Person of the Year’ award. The OCCRP, a global investigative journalism network specializing in organized crime and corruption, uses this annual title to spotlight individuals or institutions accused of advancing corruption and criminal activity on a grand scale.
For the 2024 award, deposed Syrian ex-President Bashar al-Assad clinched the top spot, with President Ruto being named the runner-up. According to OCCRP, Ruto’s candidacy was notable for breaking records, garnering over 40,000 nominations—the most in the history of the award.
The overwhelming nominations from Kenyans reflected frustrations over issues plaguing Ruto’s administration, including allegations of corruption, surging youth unemployment, and the controversy surrounding a divisive finance bill. OCCRP highlighted that Ruto’s policies had triggered public outrage, citing economic instability, accusations of greed, and violent crackdowns on dissent.
“Kenyans’ remarkable outpouring and demands for accountability were unprecedented,” OCCRP stated. “Protests against Ruto’s government have led to violence, arrests, and disappearances, further fueling discontent.”
Despite the overwhelming support for Ruto’s nomination, the OCCRP panel ultimately awarded the title to Bashar al-Assad, citing his “far-reaching and devastating impact” as the decisive factor. The Syrian ex-leader’s tenure saw his regime turn Syria into a narco-state, profiting from organized crime and spreading violence and corruption across the region.
However, OCCRP’s decision has sparked debate online, especially among Kenyans who felt Ruto deserved the dubious distinction.
“William Ruto received the highest number of public nominations in OCCRP history, yet the judges awarded someone else. How does that make sense?” asked one Kenyan on social media platform X.
Another user remarked, “Why call for public nominations if the judges are going to override the vote? This was a complete waste of time.”
Others took a more humorous approach. “Imagine losing in a corruption contest because of corruption in the judging process!” quipped a user.
Still, some Kenyans found solace in the sheer scale of the nominations, with one user commenting, “We dominated the global nominations, owning 80% of the vote. They may have denied us the top spot, but our numbers speak volumes!”
While Ruto did not receive the infamous title, his historic nomination underscored the growing public demand for accountability and justice on a global scale.
What is your opinion About the OCCRP report?
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