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.
Recommended Articles
CSO Issues Fiery Demand: Politicians Must Cease Distracting President Tinubu!

The Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has urged poli...
INEC Shake-Up: CSOs Demand Scrutiny as Amupitan Poised for Chairman Role

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman has sparked diverse reacti...
Ghana's Galamsey Battle: Citizens Blast Government Over Broken Promises and 'No Hotline' Silence

Civil Society Organisations have expressed deep disappointment over the government's handling of illegal mining, critici...
Botswana's Corruption Woes Deepen: National Ranking Takes a Hit!

Botswana faces a decline in its global anti-corruption ranking. Minister Moeti Mohwasa pledges reforms to strengthen t...
Shockwaves! Anti-Graft Agency EACC Recovers Staggering Sh3.4 Billion in Major Sweep

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recovered Sh3.4 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year, as detailed in...
EU Diplomats Mogherini and Sannino Released Amid College Corruption Probe

Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and European Commission director Stefano Sannino released after questi...
You may also like...
Nigeria’s New Mega-Refinery: Economic Hope or Environmental Trouble?
Nigeria is investing heavily in one of Africa’s largest oil refineries to end fuel imports and strengthen its economy. B...
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Human Body
15 astonishing facts about the human body that reveal its complexity, precision, and beauty, inviting awe, scientific cu...
What Happens to Your Body If You Consume Excess Salt
Think you don’t eat “too salty”? Most sodium is hidden. Learn what happens inside your body when you consume excess salt...
Super Eagles Face Crucial AFCON 2025 Opener: Tanzania Clash & Referee Controversy

The Super Eagles of Nigeria commence their 2025 AFCON journey against Tanzania on Tuesday, facing internal uncertainties...
Tragedy Strikes: Alexander Isak Suffers Gruesome Leg Fracture, Undergoes Emergency Surgery

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces an indefinite period on the sidelines following surgery for a broken ankle and fi...
Hollywood Icons Jack Black and Paul Rudd Reveal Personal Favorite Films

Jack Black and Paul Rudd discuss their new buddy comedy, "Anaconda," a meta-reboot of the '90s film, coming to theaters ...
Malawi VP's Lavish K2.3 Billion UK Trip Sparks Outcry Amid Austerity

Malawi's Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah, faces severe public backlash over a taxpayer-funded trip to the UK for her husb...
Nigerian Fintechs Secure Staggering $230M in 2025, Sparking Key Questions

The Nigerian fintech sector experienced a significant funding dip in 2025, driven by a crucial shift in investor focus t...