Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo on Tuesday launched a spirited response to President William Ruto’s recent allegations that Members of Parliament are soliciting bribes to block crucial bills. In a dramatic parliamentary session, Odhiambo broke into song, reminding the Head of State that accountability is ultimately a personal responsibility.
“As a Christian, Mr. Speaker, I want to remind you of the song on individual responsibility: kila mtu atauchukua mzigo wake mwenyewe na kila mtu atatoa habari zake mwenyewe mbele za Mungu siku hiyo inakuja,” she sang loosely translated as “everyone will carry their own cross and give their own account before God; that day is coming.”
Odhiambo accused the President of undermining Parliament, warning that no leader should ever take legislative support for granted. “If you are a president, do not take Parliament’s support for granted. If in doubt, ask Honourable Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta,” she cautioned.
Reflecting on her own hypothetical presidency, the MP said her priority would be to safeguard the relationship between the executive and Parliament rather than antagonize lawmakers. “It is not a happy occasion to hold that office, but should I be unhappy as the president of this republic, one thing I cannot take for granted is the support of Parliament,” she emphasized.
On corruption, Odhiambo challenged the President’s focus on MPs as the alleged culprits, urging him to also scrutinize those on the “supply side” of bribery the individuals and officials who provide the money. “If you are serious about combating corruption, let us consider both the demand and supply aspects,” she argued.
Her remarks came in the wake of Ruto’s claims during a recent joint parliamentary group meeting where he alleged that a governor spent Sh150 million to influence senators, and an MP took Sh10 million to alter anti-money laundering legislation. The President vowed that culprits would face arrest, a statement that has since sparked uproar.
Several lawmakers, including Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, have demanded that Ruto substantiate his allegations, even suggesting he be summoned before the Privileges Committee. Odhiambo’s sharp rebuttal adds to mounting pressure on the President to back his claims with evidence rather than sweeping accusations against Parliament.
