President William Ruto has launched a blistering attack on Parliament, accusing some lawmakers of engaging in bribery and turning oversight committees into “money-minting rings.”
Speaking at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Ruto claimed certain committees have been extorting cabinet secretaries, governors, and other executive officials in exchange for favourable reports or to “look the other way.”
“There is something happening in Parliament that must be called out. Money is being demanded from the executive, from governors, from those responsible for accountability,” the President said, warning that “it cannot continue to be business as usual.”
Ruto vowed to back the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in prosecuting offenders without political interference, declaring that “there will be no sacred cows” and no phone calls to shield suspects.
He urged investigative agencies to act swiftly following his assent to the Conflict of Interest Bill, calling for a coordinated approach to bring culprits to justice.
The President also criticised sections of the judiciary for granting relief to graft suspects, saying such actions undermine the fight against corruption and erode public trust.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi defended Parliament, redirecting criticism toward county governments. He accused governors of obstructing Senate oversight visits, vowing that senators would continue to hold counties accountable to protect taxpayers’ money.
Ruto’s remarks, made after inspecting development projects in Homa Bay, signal a potential rift between the Executive and Legislature as both sides trade accusations over who is sabotaging anti-corruption efforts.
Written By Rodney Mbua
