President William Ruto has sparked controversy after claiming that some Kenyan senators have received up to Ksh150 million to influence impeachment outcomes. The remarks, made on Monday during a joint parliamentary meeting between ODM and UDA, have been interpreted by some as an attempt to intimidate the Senate ahead of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai’s upcoming impeachment hearing.
Speaking at the meeting, President Ruto questioned the source of the alleged funds, asking, “Where does somebody find Ksh150 million? Is that his money, or is it money that belongs to the county?” While he did not name specific senators, the timing of his comments has raised eyebrows in political circles.
Senator Karungo criticized the president’s statement, suggesting that it was a deliberate move to manipulate public perception. “By shouting that senators are bribed during impeachment proceedings, he’s not suddenly discovering graft; he’s laying the groundwork to manipulate perception,” Karungo said. The senator acknowledged that cases of bribery have occurred in the past but questioned why the president chose this moment to highlight them.
Karungo further argued that the president’s remarks were strategically designed to pressure the Senate. “It’s simple: he wants to corner the Senate into dancing to State House tunes. If we impeach, he takes credit. If we don’t, he says we were bought. That’s not defeating graft, that’s fortifying the truth for political convenience,” he said.
Governor Mutai, who was impeached for a second time after 33 out of 47 Members of the Kericho County Assembly voted in favor of his removal, is set to appear before the Senate on Wednesday, August 20. This year alone, the Senate has presided over impeachment hearings for three governors, including former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and Isiolo’s Abdi Guyo, both of whom survived the proceedings.
Senator Karungo warned that the president’s statements could negatively affect Mutai’s case, suggesting that the embattled governor is under additional political pressure. As the Senate prepares to hear the case, Ruto’s remarks have intensified debates over political influence, accountability, and the independence of parliamentary proceedings in Kenya.
