The fault lines running deep in the so-called broad-based government was clear on Tuesday after MPs fought back bribery allegations by President William Ruto and ODM Party leader Raila Odinga.
At the National Assembly, lawmakers from across the political divide took on President Ruto and Raila, protesting what they termed as being “paraded like criminals.”
They also warned against the continued push by the Executive to deny them say over the multi-billion National Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The onslaught began after Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) chair George Murugara issued a statement on the allegations that MPs were financially induced to pass the law on money laundering.
He and other members challenged President Ruto to substantiate his claims that MPs had demanded for Sh10 million to pass the Bill.
“This is a statement from JLAC with regard to a statement made during the joint Parliamentary Group meeting held yesterday (Monday) and presided over by the President and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. At the meeting a statement was made to the effect that the consideration and passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Bill, 2025 was influenced by a Sh10 million inducement collected by a Member of Parliament allegedly on behalf of members of the National Assembly...,” said Murugara.
Murugara challenged the President to name the member(s) who solicited the bribe and from whom.
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto also referred to claims made at last week’s devolution conference in Homa Bay by Ruto and Raila.
“I want to urge you Mr Speaker that you lead us to restore the dignity of the House. There are things that we must stop, first of all we have an unholy dalliance with the Executive. This House must stop being a choir of the executive,” he said.
Deputy Leader of the Minority, Robert Mbui, backed the call for a “divorce” between the Executive and the Legislature.
The MPs dared the President and Raila to “either bring the evidence, take those people to court or apologise.”
“There is state capture in this country. Let’s look at what’s happening with e-Citizen, how many pipes are leaking government revenue to private pockets? Let us call them out. Sugar mills were privatised, workers are being fired. Let us know who took over the sugar mills built by public funds without competition...” said Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who sits in JLAC, demanded that President Ruto be summoned before the House to give details on the alleged corruption.
Millie Odhiambo, while accusing Raila of favouring the Governors at the expense of the Senate and the National Assembly, emphasized on the need to ring-fence NG-CDF, while Musa Sirma wondered where a governor gets Sh150 million to give Senators.
“Should I be unlucky to become the President of this country, one thing I will not take for granted is the support of Parliament. If you are a President do not take granted the support of Parliament, if in doubt you can ask former President Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Odhiambo.
His Minority Leader Junet Mohammed cautioned that the two leaders cannot do without MPs support. “Let us not take them (Raila and Ruto) serious because everything they need to do must come through this House. Even the dissolving of NG-CDF, some work must be done here in Parliament... we will have our way.”
Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah also defended the members.
