Kenyan President William Ruto and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been named among the five 2024 finalists for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) "Person of the Year" award, a dubious distinction that highlights their alleged involvement in corruption and organized crime.

Ruto received over 40,000 nominations for the award, driven by widespread anger over a contentious finance bill, soaring youth unemployment, and frustration with government corruption. In June and July, young Kenyans staged weeks of protests demanding Ruto's resignation, which were met with a brutal crackdown by security forces, resulting in deaths, injuries, and disappearances.

Tinubu, who ranked third among the finalists, has faced repeated allegations of involvement in drug trafficking, forgery, and financial malpractice. Since assuming office, his administration has been plagued by widespread complaints, protests, and controversies, fueled by policies widely criticized as "anti-people." Both presidents have also been criticized for their alleged penchant for air travel, which has been seen as extravagant and tone-deaf given the tough economic conditions in their countries.

The OCCRP award is given to the person who has done the most to wreak havoc around the world through organized crime and corruption. While Ruto and Tinubu were among the top finalists, the award ultimately went to ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who has been accused of committing atrocities during his time in power.

In a surprising move, the OCCRP also introduced a special "Lifetime Non-Achievement Award," which was bestowed upon Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Obiang has been in power since 1979, and his regime has been marked by severe repression, including unlawful arrests, forced disappearances, and systematic torture to silence dissent.

The OCCRP's "Person of the Year" award is a stark reminder of the pervasive corruption and mismanagement that plagues many governments around the world. The recognition of Ruto and Tinubu among the finalists serves as a warning to citizens and international organizations to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable for their actions.

The implications of this award are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how Ruto and Tinubu will respond to these allegations. However, one thing is clear: the people of Kenya and Nigeria deserve better from their leaders, and it is up to them to demand accountability and transparency in governance.

In conclusion, the OCCRP's "Person of the Year" award is a sobering reminder of the corrupt practices that continue to plague many governments around the world. As citizens, it is our responsibility to remain informed, speak out against injustice, and demand better from our leaders.