The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has confirmed that it has launched investigations into Members of Parliament accused of demanding bribes. This follows President William Ruto’s explosive remarks accusing lawmakers of turning Parliament into a “marketplace for extortion.”
EACC Chairperson David Oginde said the commission is already tracking several MPs suspected of involvement and assured the public that action will follow once evidence is gathered. “We are actually doing active investigations on some individuals, and you’ll soon see the consequences across various levels of the leadership system,” he stated.
What Are the Allegations Against MPs?
The probe covers a range of claims, including bribery to influence legislation, inflated allowances, misuse of Constituency Development Funds, and allegations that senior officials are being coerced into paying protection fees. “We expect Parliament to make laws that serve us better. But the reality is alleged bribery, inflated allowances, and protection rackets,” Oginde explained.
He further emphasized that Parliament is a privileged institution and that cooperation from its leadership is essential for the investigations to succeed. “It’s one rotten potato that spoils the whole bag. We want to know: are there specific individuals, and what can be done — not only to punish them, but to end the whole thing?” he posed.
How Have Civil Society Groups Responded?
Civil society organisations, including Transparency International Kenya, have urged President Ruto to present evidence to investigative agencies to strengthen the process. “If the President is serious, he should present evidence to investigating authorities so that thorough investigations are done,” said Sheila Masinde, the organisation’s Executive Director.
What Did President Ruto Say About Parliamentary Committees?
Speaking at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, President Ruto accused MPs of demanding bribes from cabinet secretaries and governors. “There is something happening in parliament that must be called out. There is money being demanded from executives, from governors, from people in executive especially those who are for accountability,” he said.
He went further to describe some parliamentary committees as extortion rings. “It cannot Something is happeningcontinue to be business as usual. It cannot be that committees of parliament demand to be paid for them to write reports or look the other way,” Ruto declared.
The President also challenged the EACC to take firm action. “I have made it clear to EACC that there will be no sacred cows. There will be no phone calls from below or above to stop anyone from being prosecuted,” he added.
By Yockshard Enyendi