President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament accused of engaging in bribery, declaring that his administration will move beyond public reprimands and instead pursue arrests.
Speaking on Monday during a joint parliamentary group meeting between the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a visibly frustrated Ruto said he regularly receives raw intelligence detailing rampant corruption within parliamentary committees.
According to the President, some lawmakers have been consistently demanding bribes to influence legislation and committee outcomes, with funds often pocketed by individuals rather than being directed to Parliament.
“They are collecting money in the name of Parliament, and sometimes that money never gets to Parliament. Instead, it ends up in the pockets of a few individuals. We are not going to shame them; we are going to apprehend them,” Ruto stated.
He cited recent events surrounding the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, alleging that millions of shillings exchanged hands in a bid to sway the outcome. “Do you know that a few members of the House here received up to Ksh10 million to pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill? Did you get the money?” he challenged lawmakers.
The President further claimed that one senator had pocketed as much as Ksh150 million to influence a matter before the House, though he did not name the individual.
Ruto lamented that such practices were eroding the credibility of Parliament and undermining public trust in the institution. He emphasized that his administration would no longer tolerate this culture of impunity, warning that arrests would cut across party lines and political seniority.
“This culture of graft has to come to an end. We will confront it decisively, and nobody will be spared,” he said.
This marks the second time in less than a week that Ruto has publicly raised concerns about corruption within Parliament. During the National Devolution Conference on August 13, he criticized lawmakers for soliciting bribes, insisting that the Legislature must be held accountable.
The President’s remarks signal an intensifying battle against graft within the political establishment, as he seeks to project his administration as committed to accountability and integrity.
