Government Sources Reveal Corruption Probe Behind Ruto’s Ministry Restructuring
Principal Secretary accused of diverting relief food to cronies, inflating supplier costs
Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Kello Harsama is reportedly on the verge of losing his position following allegations of massive corruption in relief food distribution, sources close to the presidency have revealed.
The controversy has emerged as a key factor behind President William Ruto’s recent Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which restructured government ministries and transferred the Special Programmes function from the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands ministry to the Public Service ministry.
Corruption Allegations Surface
Harsama has denied claims of taking 80 per cent of relief food meant for Asal counties to Marsabit, saying the region is categorized under the 23 Asal counties.
However, government insiders paint a different picture of systematic corruption within his department.
Sources within the ministry allege that Harsama has been operating a sophisticated corruption scheme involving the allocation of relief food supplies meant for drought-stricken communities across Kenya’s 23 ASAL counties. The allegations center on:
Inflated Procurement Costs: Suppliers are reportedly being forced to quote inflated prices for basic food items such as beans and rice, with the excess amounts allegedly flowing back as kickbacks to senior officials.
Regional Favoritism: Intelligence reports suggest that over 80% of relief food contracts have been awarded to suppliers from Harsama’s home region, raising questions about fairness in the procurement process.
Supplier Coercion: Contractors seeking government tenders are allegedly being forced to comply with the inflated pricing structure or risk losing lucrative government contracts entirely.
Cabinet Secretary-PS Feud Intensifies
The corruption allegations have reportedly created a rift between Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul and PS Harsama.
Sources indicate that Askul uncovered evidence of the corrupt practices and has been pushing for accountability measures within the ministry.
“The CS discovered irregularities in the relief food distribution system and has been at loggerheads with the PS over these issues,” a ministry source who requested anonymity told this publication.
This internal conflict is said to have contributed to President Ruto’s decision to restructure the ministry through the recent executive order, effectively removing certain functions from the embattled department.
Presidential Intervention Through Restructuring
President Ruto’s Executive Order No. 1 of 2025 created seven new state departments including National Government Coordination; Science, Research and Innovation; Public Investments and Assets Management; and Special Programmes, among others.
The timing of this restructuring, coming amid the corruption allegations, has raised questions about whether it represents a strategic move to address the crisis without publicly acknowledging the scandal.
Political analysts suggest the restructuring provides the President with an opportunity to reassign personnel and functions while conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption.
Relief Food Distribution Under Scrutiny
Kenya’s ASAL regions have been grappling with recurring droughts, making relief food distribution a critical government function. The 23 ASAL counties, which include Marsabit, Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, West Pokot, and Baringo, depend heavily on government intervention during drought periods.
The corruption allegations come at a particularly sensitive time, as these regions continue to face food security challenges.
Any diversion or manipulation of relief supplies could have devastating consequences for vulnerable communities already struggling with the effects of climate change.
Political Implications for Broad-Based Government
The scandal has potential implications for the broad-based government arrangement between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Political observers suggest that any major reshuffle resulting from the corruption probe could create opportunities for ODM to secure additional positions within the government structure.
“The possibility of Raila Odinga’s ODM landing more plum positions in the broad-based government is growing,” noted one political analyst, referring to potential changes in the principal secretary positions across various ministries.
Call for Transparency
Good governance advocates are calling for a transparent investigation into the allegations and appropriate action against any officials found culpable.
“Relief food is meant for the most vulnerable populations in our society. Any corruption in this sector is not just theft of public resources but a crime against humanity,” said a representative from Transparency International Kenya.
What’s Next?
As the government restructuring takes effect, all eyes will be on whether PS Harsama retains his position or becomes a casualty of the ongoing reorganization. The President’s office has yet to make any public statements regarding the specific allegations.
The case represents a test of the current administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, particularly in sectors that directly impact the welfare of Kenya’s most vulnerable populations.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. The Office of the Principal Secretary for ASAL did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
