A joint parliamentary group meeting held on August 18, 2025, between MPs and senators from the ODM party and Kenya Kwanza Alliance, co-chaired by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, ended in disarray due to escalating tensions over corruption allegations and the constitutionality of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
During the meeting, President Ruto accused some legislators of turning parliamentary committees into extortion rackets, allegedly collecting up to KSh 10 million to facilitate the passage of certain laws, including anti-money laundering legislation. He warned that those involved would face arrest. Raila Odinga echoed these sentiments, criticizing MPs for soliciting bribes under the guise of committee welfare and cautioning that such practices were deterring investors and stifling development.
The leaders’ remarks were met with resistance from some MPs, who heckled them and, in some cases, walked out of the meeting. Mumias East MP Peter Salasya claimed that disappointed lawmakers left the event without partaking in the lunch organized by Raila and Ruto.
The confrontation has sparked a broader debate about the role of MPs in managing development funds. While Raila advocates for the devolution of NG-CDF projects to county governments, some MPs view this as an infringement on their constitutional mandate and a threat to their influence.
This development raises questions about the future of parliamentary leadership and the potential for political realignments as the 2027 elections approach. The strained relationship between the executive and the legislature could have significant implications for governance and development in Kenya.
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