President William Ruto has accused some MPs of taking bribes to alter committee reports in favour of State officials. He made the remarks at the devolution conference in Homa Bay on August 13, repeating claims he made a week earlier about corporate leaders bribing MPs to influence laws.
Former Attorney-General Justin Muturi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka urged him to hand evidence to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). But several committee chairs dismissed the allegations.
Muturi said MPs demanded cash during his vetting for Cabinet and claimed bribery is entrenched in Parliament. As Speaker, he invited EACC and DCI to probe bribery claims, but no action followed. He accused Ruto of hypocrisy, saying the President has also enticed MPs with money.
Investigations reveal that watchdog committees like PAC and PIC are most affected. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has previously warned MPs against appointing welfare members tasked with collecting money from officials appearing before committees.
Onyonka said corruption in Parliament is real and linked it to his removal from a Senate watchdog role. He accused MPs of harassing oversight officers and bending laws for personal gain.
