Introduction
Kenyan President William Ruto has been named the second most corrupt leader globally by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). This annual ranking, which highlights individuals who have caused significant damage through corruption and organized crime, placed Syria’s ousted President Bashar al-Assad at the top. The 2024 OCCRP report underscores a troubling pattern of entrenched corruption, economic mismanagement, and abuse of power among global leaders.
With over 40,000 public nominations—the highest in OCCRP’s history—Ruto’s placement reflects widespread dissatisfaction among Kenyans over corruption scandals, poor governance, and contentious economic policies. In contrast, Assad’s brutal regime and reliance on illicit drug trade to fund his government cemented his place as the most corrupt leader globally.
This article delves deeper into the OCCRP report, exploring the reasons behind Ruto’s ranking, the legacy of Assad’s rule, and the unprecedented “Lifetime Non-Achievement Award” given to Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang.
1. OCCRP’s Corrupt Person of the Year: Bashar al-Assad
Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s deposed president, was crowned the 2024 Corrupt Person of the Year by OCCRP. Assad’s regime, characterized by brutality, organized crime, and mass corruption, turned Syria into a narco-state.
A Reign Fueled by Captagon Trade
Assad’s government relied heavily on the production and trafficking of Captagon, an illegal and highly addictive drug. This trade generated billions of dollars, which funded the Syrian regime’s authoritarian grip and oppressive security apparatus.
Investigations by OCCRP, in collaboration with BBC News Arabic and Suwayda24.com, exposed Assad’s extensive involvement in the drug trade. Captagon smuggling operations expanded beyond Syria’s borders, creating tensions with neighboring countries such as Jordan and Lebanon.
Human Rights Abuses Under Assad
Assad’s regime has been accused of unspeakable human rights violations, including:
- Mass executions and torture.
- Chemical weapons attacks on civilian populations.
- Suppression of dissent through unlawful detentions and disappearances.
Even after his ouster, Assad reportedly fled to Russia with billions in looted wealth, leaving behind a legacy of devastation.
The Impact on Syria and the Region
“The political, economic, and social damage caused by Assad, both in Syria and in the region, will take decades to overcome,” said Alia Ibrahim, co-founder of Daraj.com and one of OCCRP’s judges.
Assad’s leadership exemplified how organized crime, combined with authoritarianism, can cripple nations and destabilize entire regions.
2. William Ruto: The People’s Nominee for Corruption
Kenyan President William Ruto received over 40,000 public nominations for OCCRP’s Corrupt Person of the Year—an unprecedented figure in the organization’s history. While he did not top the list, the overwhelming public outcry highlights the deep frustration among Kenyans over corruption, poor governance, and failed economic policies.
The Finance Bill Controversy
One of the key triggers for public outrage was Kenya’s contentious finance bill. Critics argued that the bill disproportionately burdened the poor and middle class while failing to address systemic corruption. Protests erupted across Kenya, with security forces responding with tear gas, water cannons, and bullets, leading to casualties, injuries, and disappearances.
Allegations of Corruption and Greed
Ruto’s administration has faced numerous corruption allegations, including:
- Mismanagement of public funds.
- Suspected embezzlement in government contracts.
- Questionable dealings in international trade agreements.
These allegations have fueled economic instability, widespread unemployment, and growing poverty levels in Kenya.
Public Outcry and Protests
The protests against Ruto’s government have been marked by:
- Youth-led demonstrations calling for accountability.
- Social media campaigns amplifying grievances.
- International attention on Kenya’s deteriorating economic and social conditions.
Kenyans expressed their frustration through their OCCRP nominations, with one commenter stating, “He’s stealing everything including public funds; people are suffering without a proper healthcare system, and people are becoming poorer day by day.”
While Ruto did not “win” the dubious top honor, the sheer volume of public nominations underscores the need for urgent reforms in Kenya.
3. “Lifetime Non-Achievement Award” for Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
For the first time in OCCRP’s history, a special “Lifetime Non-Achievement Award” was introduced—and it went to Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
A Legacy of Repression and Corruption
Since seizing power in 1979, Obiang has maintained his rule through fear, torture, and forced disappearances. Despite Equatorial Guinea’s vast oil wealth, the majority of its population lives in poverty, while Obiang and his family lead lavish lifestyles.
The Cost of Dictatorship
Under Obiang’s leadership:
- Public resources have been systematically looted.
- Human rights abuses have gone unpunished.
- The nation’s development has been stifled by corruption and nepotism.
Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, one of OCCRP’s judges, remarked, “Through fear, repression, and corruption, Teodoro Obiang has created a dynasty of wealth and impunity.”
Obiang’s leadership serves as a grim reminder of how entrenched corruption can paralyze a nation’s potential.
4. The Broader Implications of OCCRP’s Findings
The OCCRP rankings highlight a recurring theme: corruption thrives in environments where accountability is absent, power is unchecked, and public resources are seen as private wealth.
Global Patterns of Corruption
From Syria to Kenya to Equatorial Guinea, the OCCRP report reveals:
- The nexus between organized crime and political power.
- The exploitation of state resources for personal gain.
- The suppression of dissent and democratic freedoms.
The Role of Public Accountability
Public participation, as seen in Kenya’s unprecedented 40,000 nominations, plays a crucial role in demanding transparency and accountability. While Assad and Obiang have shown little remorse, public outcry remains a powerful tool for change.
5. Finalists for OCCRP Corrupt Person of the Year 2024
- Bashar al-Assad (Syria) – Winner
- William Ruto (Kenya) – Second place
- Joko Widodo (Indonesia)
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria)
- Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh)
- Gautam Adani (India)
Each finalist represents a failure of leadership and the devastating impact of corruption on their respective nations.
6. Lessons and the Way Forward
The OCCRP’s annual report serves as a stark warning to global leaders: corruption, when left unchecked, leads to economic collapse, social unrest, and irreparable damage to a nation’s fabric.
For Kenya:
- Greater transparency in public finances.
- Independent oversight of government projects.
- Addressing youth unemployment and economic inequality.
For the Global Community:
- Stronger international anti-corruption frameworks.
- Accountability for leaders implicated in corruption scandals.
- Increased support for civil society and whistleblowers.
Conclusion
The OCCRP’s 2024 rankings are not just about individual leaders but about systemic failures in governance. Bashar al-Assad, William Ruto, and Teodoro Obiang represent the consequences of unchecked power and corruption.
For Kenyans, the extraordinary public nominations are a testament to their resilience and demand for a better future. As corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to development and stability worldwide, transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation are the keys to meaningful change.
Source: OCCRP on X

