Kenyan President William Ruto and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been named among the five finalists for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) "Person of the Year" award, a dubious distinction that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to organized crime and corruption globally.

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 Kenya. 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 the deaths, injuries, and disappearances of many protesters.

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." The two leaders have also been criticized for their alleged penchant for air travel, which has drawn attention to the contrast between their lavish spending and the tough economic conditions faced by their citizens.

The OCCRP judges ultimately chose ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad as the winner of the "Person of the Year" award, citing his role in wreaking havoc through organized crime and corruption. However, the recognition of Ruto and Tinubu as finalists highlights the significant concerns surrounding their administrations and the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance.

This year, the OCCRP contest 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 recognition of these African leaders as finalists for the "Person of the Year" award underscores the need for greater scrutiny of governance and corruption in Africa. As the continent continues to grapple with the challenges of economic development, poverty, and inequality, it is essential that leaders are held accountable for their actions and that transparency and accountability are promoted at all levels of governance.

The OCCRP's "Person of the Year" award serves as a reminder of the importance of investigative journalism in exposing corruption and promoting accountability. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of organized crime and corruption, it is essential that we recognize the critical role that journalists and whistleblowers play in shedding light on these issues and promoting greater transparency and accountability.