Members of Parliament have expressed outrage over President William Ruto’s recent remarks alleging that legislators are involved in corruption, saying the claims have subjected them to ridicule, suspicion at home, and loss of credibility among their constituents.
During a heated Tuesday sitting in the National Assembly, Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina lamented that MPs had sacrificed immensely to support the Kenya Kwanza administration, only to be branded corrupt.
“We have given our sweat and blood to make this government what it is. We have lost properties, reputations, and credibility in our constituencies. Business partners now look at us as if we carry corruption into their offices,” he said.
Wainaina recounted the personal toll of the allegations, revealing how his wife confronted him at home. “When I went home last night, my wife wanted to check my pockets to see if I had illegal money. Whoever said we are corrupt should go to our homes and tell our wives, children, and business partners that it was an erroneous statement,” he protested.
Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga echoed similar frustrations, saying the accusations had sparked tension in his household. “Mimi nimetoka nyumbani na kitu ya kwanza bibi ananiuliza, huu umaskini tuko nayo ya nini ilhali nyinyi mnabeba mabilioni? Ananiuliza uko na bibi mwingine ama hii pesa unaweka wapi?” he told the House.
Chonga warned that it was humiliating for MPs, who have stood by the government, to now be discredited by the President himself. “Mheshimiwa Spika, mimi unataka niendelee kuitetea serikali ambayo inanidhulumu? Tunaomba Rais atuombe msamaha,” he declared.
The uproar follows President Ruto’s assertion during a recent parliamentary group meeting that some MPs and senators were extorting public officials. He cited cases where a governor allegedly spent Sh150 million to influence senators and an MP purportedly pocketed Sh10 million to alter an anti-money laundering law.
The remarks have triggered backlash, with Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ and others demanding the President provide evidence, or even appear before the Privileges Committee.
The legislators now insist that Ruto must withdraw the claims and issue a public apology to restore their integrity both in Parliament and at home.
