Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has dismissed allegations by President William Ruto that senators have been receiving hefty bribes to influence key parliamentary decisions, including impeachment proceedings.
During a Senate sitting on Wednesday, August 20, Kingi stated that he had not received any complaint, intelligence, or report pointing to bribery or extortion involving senators.
“As the Speaker of the Senate, I have not received any complaint or information relating to bribery, extortion, or any other corrupt practice against a senator from a member of the executive, ministries, departments, agencies of government, governors, or county agencies. If I do receive such complaints, I am obligated, and I will take the necessary stern action without delay,” he said.
His statement comes in the wake of President Ruto’s claims on Monday during a Kenya Kwanza and ODM joint parliamentary meeting in Karen. The Head of State alleged that legislators in both Houses had been bribed to sway decisions, particularly during impeachment hearings.
“The latest Soko Huru in the Senate, where does somebody find KSh150 million? Is that his money? That is money that belongs to the county,” Ruto remarked.
Kingi, however, defended the integrity of the House, insisting that impeachment processes were transparent, guided by the Constitution, and determined solely on the evidence presented. He argued that past proceedings showed no consistent trend that could suggest compromise.
“The Senate has conducted all its impeachment proceedings in accordance with the Constitution and the law and has made its examinations on the basis of the evidence provided,” he reiterated.
At the same time, Kingi invited any leader or authority with credible proof of inducement to table it before the Senate for investigation. His stance echoed the position of several senators who have publicly challenged President Ruto to back his claims with concrete evidence, including intelligence reports or testimonies.
The senators have warned that the President’s allegations, if left unsubstantiated, risk undermining the credibility of the Senate and eroding public trust in its oversight role.
With the political temperature rising, the ball now lies in President Ruto’s court to substantiate his remarks or risk further friction with lawmakers.
