On August 18, 2025, President William Ruto announced the formation of the Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption (MAT), a bold new framework aimed at fighting economic crimes more effectively. Unlike past fragmented collaborations, this initiative places the fight against graft directly under the Executive Office of the President, signaling a stronger, centralized approach.

Composition of the Multi-Agency Task Force

The MAT unites Kenya’s most powerful state organs into a coordinated structure. It includes:

• -National Intelligence Service (NIS)

• -Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)

• -Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)

• -Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)

• -Financial Reporting Centre (FRC)

• -Asset Recovery Agency (ARA)

• -Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

• -Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)

• -Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA)

The Office of the Attorney General will serve as the Secretariat, while the President chairs the task force.

Objectives of the Task Force

The MAT’s core mandate is to ensure synergy and inter-agency coordination in combating corruption and economic crimes. Its focus areas include:

• -Streamlining investigations across agencies.

• -Ensuring stronger prosecutions for graft-related cases.

• -Accelerating asset recovery from corrupt individuals.

• -Eliminating turf wars that have historically weakened the anti-corruption fight.

Legal and Constitutional Backing

Ruto emphasized that the MAT is rooted in Articles 10, 129, 131, and 201 of the Constitution, which obligate leaders to safeguard public resources. The new team is also backed by recent reforms, including the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 and amendments to the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, which strengthen Kenya’s anti-graft framework.

Taking on Corruption in Parliament

Ruto issued a stern warning to lawmakers, revealing intelligence reports that MPs and senators have accepted multi-million shilling bribes to influence legislation. He cited the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, where some legislators allegedly pocketed up to KSh 10 million each, and one senator reportedly received KSh 150 million. The President vowed that both bribe-takers and givers will face prosecution, promising no sacred cows in his administration’s war on graft.

A Turning Point in the Anti-Corruption War

The creation of the MAT is seen as a sharp departure from past ad hoc efforts, which delivered limited results. By consolidating authority and giving the task force direct presidential oversight, Ruto aims to restore public confidence in Kenya’s fight against corruption and hold even the most powerful leaders accountable.