By Michelle Ndaga
Members of Parliament reacted strongly to President William Ruto’s bribery allegations made during the ODM-UDA joint parliamentary group meeting held on August 18, 2025, at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen.
The high profile gathering, attended by top leaders including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was aimed at reaffirming coalition unity and discussing national legislative priorities.
President Ruto alleged that some MPs solicited up to Ksh 10 million to pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill and that some senators demanded up to Ksh 150 million from county governors. He warned that both givers and receivers of the alleged bribes would face arrest and prosecution, emphasizing that such acts undermine public trust in Parliament.
In the National Assembly today, MPs responded to the claims:
Hon. Zamzam Mohamed Chimba, Mombasa County Women Representative, strongly opposed the bill, citing concerns that it targeted specific individuals in real estate.
She questioned how bribery could have occurred, emphasizing the need to know who gave the bribe, why it was given, and what secrets the bill contained to warrant Ksh 10 million for its passage. She remarked, “Bunge hili ndilo limeshika Kenya kwa mkono,” highlighting the critical role of Parliament in safeguarding the country.
Hon. George Murugara (Mbeere South) supported President Ruto’s stance, urging swift action to identify and prosecute those involved in bribery.
Hon. Otiende Amollo (Rarieda) cautioned against politicizing the issue and called for independent investigations to establish the facts.
Meanwhile, Senators Edwin Sifuna and Moses Kajwang’ have both challenged President William Ruto’s allegations of bribery within Parliament, calling for transparency and evidence. Sifuna emphasized that such serious accusations require names and proof, warning that without them, every parliamentary decision could be unfairly viewed as compromised.
Kajwang’, chair of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, similarly condemned the claims, arguing that Parliament’s credibility is at stake and urging the Speakers of both Houses to summon President Ruto to testify before the Privileges Committees. Both senators stressed the need for accountability while cautioning against politicizing the matter, highlighting the importance of due process in handling such allegations.
The mixed reactions highlight the tension between calls for accountability and the need for due process, underscoring the complexity of the bribery allegations within Kenya’s political landscape.
