Ruto's Graft Gauntlet: President Pressed to Name & Arrest Corrupt MPs

President William Ruto has intensified his accusations against the Kenyan Parliament, alleging its complicity in allowing corruption to thrive. This stance comes amid complaints from several Members of Parliament regarding what they term 'lethargic leadership' within the House, which they argue is failing to uphold its constitutional mandate as the electorate’s watchdog. The criticisms have notably brought into question the records of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, both of whom have faced accusations of bias in their roles.
In response to the President's statements, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating under the banner of the National Integrity Alliance has publicly challenged President Ruto to name the lawmakers he claims are involved in corruption, rather than issuing broad statements through the media. Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, the group went further, accusing President Ruto himself of being the 'mastermind of wanton corruption' in the country. They emphasized the critical need for swift enforcement of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, viewing it as vital in the national fight against graft.
Prominent figures from the CSOs, including David Malombe, Executive Director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), and Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International-Kenya (TI-Kenya), voiced skepticism regarding the President's seriousness. Malombe stated, "He (the President) is not serious," while Masinde added that if the President were truly committed, "he would present the evidence that he has so that those MPs that are culpable are arrested." The CSOs cited the recent Auditor General's report, which flagged various national government programmes, including the Social Health Authority (SHA) smart system and e-Citizen, as scandalous due to procurement flaws. They alleged that firms involved in these deals are linked to State House, pointing to issues of conflict of interest, lack of transparency, and undue political interference, thereby implying 'dishonesty' on the part of the President.
The call for exposing suspected corrupt MPs follows closely on the heels of President Ruto’s direct accusations against the National Assembly and Senate for allowing corruption to flourish on the floors of the houses. This recent escalation is part of a series of attacks by the President on lawmakers, with similar accusations of soliciting bribes having been made by him during the 9th edition of the Devolution Conference held in Homa Bay. President Ruto’s frequent visits to Homa Bay, including recent ones, underscore his continued engagement with various regions. His political activities also include inspecting key infrastructure projects like the 257 km Lamu-Ijara-Garissa road (LAPSSET corridor) on February 7, 2025, and attending significant political gatherings such as the UDA-ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Karen, Nairobi, on August 18, 2025, alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The ongoing public discourse highlights a significant tension between the executive and legislative arms of government regarding accountability and the fight against corruption, with civil society groups acting as critical watchdogs demanding tangible action and transparency from all parties involved.
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