Boniface Mwangi, leader of the Ukweli Party, has declared his intention to introduce the death penalty for corruption offenses if he is elected Kenya's president in the 2027 general election.
In a campaign video shared on his X account, Mwangi emphasized the urgent need for harsher punishments to combat the persistent problem of corruption, which he says has deprived Kenyans of essential public services and development.
"If I become the President of Kenya, I will fight corruption without fear. The law will be changed so that corruption offences carry the death penalty," Mwangi stated.
The proposed legal reforms would classify corruption involving public resources as a capital offence, subjecting convicted individuals to execution following due legal procedures.
Currently, Kenya's death penalty applies only to crimes such as murder, treason, and robbery with violence, though no executions have been carried out since 1987. Corruption penalties under existing laws include fines and imprisonment, but not capital punishment.
For Mwangi's proposal to become law, Parliament must amend relevant legislation, a process that would require extensive debate and approval. Legal experts note that such changes could face constitutional challenges since Kenya's Constitution guarantees the right to life, albeit with exceptions authorized by law.
Corruption remains a significant governance challenge in Kenya, with ongoing public demands for stronger accountability and tougher sanctions against offenders. Mwangi's stance marks a notable escalation in the political discourse surrounding anti-corruption measures ahead of the 2027 elections.
