The National Assembly’s leadership has dismissed President William Ruto’s remarks on bribery in Parliament as mere allegations, and challenged him to provide evidence if he’s to be taken seriously.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed said anyone accusing members of taking bribes should provide evidence before any action can be taken.
At the same time, Mr Wetang’ula challenged parliamentarians to work towards restoring public trust.
“Doubt has been placed on our integrity as a House. We are all aware of the recent public discussions that have alluded to solicitation and receipt of monetary inducements to consider and pass legislation,” said Mr Wetang'ula.
Speaking during the National Assembly’s 3rd Leadership Retreat in Mombasa, the Speaker emphasised the sacred calling of leadership in the House, urging members to be guided by principles of leadership and integrity enshrined in Article 73 of the Constitution.
“The question of integrity is therefore not a choice of what is convenient, but a choice of what is right. As leaders we must lead from the front by upholding integrity in our different roles,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
He added: “As we are accused on integrity issues, we should ask ourselves if we are exercising our roles, demonstrating objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism and other improper motives or corrupt practices.
"Do we demonstrate selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by honesty in the execution of our public duties?”
Mr Mohamed said everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the challenge is proving what they say.
“Bribery allegations should be proven. So we are challenging those supporting those narratives to bring evidence to the House for the leadership to take action,” he said.
At the official opening of the retreat, Mr Wetang’ula defended the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), saying the kitty is not devolved and governors are not entitled to it since it is not part of the sharable revenue for counties but a portion from the National Government.
“We need to safeguard the benefits of NG-CDF and allow me from the onset to commend our Legislative Caucus ... for spearheading the consideration and passage of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 which seeks to entrench, among other things, the NG-CDF in the Constitution,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
The Speaker was supported by Mr Ichung’wah and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who vowed to protect the kitty.
“I understand my party leader Mr Raila Odinga is pushing the funds to devolved units but that is his position and opinion,” said Ms Odhiambo.
During the retreat, concerns also arose over House business procedures and persistent quorum hitches, which have slowed down the passage of laws.
“I appreciate that you also have duties in the constituencies, but you must also ensure that you do not abdicate your duties in the House. Chairpersons of committees must prioritise the legislative and oversight roles of the committees ... Recently we have experienced quorum hitches even on priority business of the House ...” said Mr Wetang’ula.
He expressed fears that quorum hitches may worsen in the coming months as legislators focus more on 2027 elections.
The leadership also noted low participation of MPs in discussions on various reports, with some members not even aware of their contents.
