Kenya’s politics has been shaken after President William Ruto accused Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators of taking bribes. Now, angry Senators want the Head of State himself to appear before Parliament and explain his shocking claims.
The demand was made on Tuesday during a heated Public Accounts Committee session chaired by Senator Moses Kajwang’. The committee, joined by Senator Edwin Sifuna and others, said the President’s remarks were dangerous and risked damaging the image of Parliament.
President Ruto had made the explosive statement on Monday during a Kenya Kwanza and ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Karen, Nairobi. He told the gathering that he had credible intelligence reports showing that MPs and Senators had been pocketing bribes to influence important parliamentary decisions.
The President even claimed that one unnamed Senator had allegedly received Ksh150 million to sway a decision in the House. But he did not provide any names or concrete proof.
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These remarks have left lawmakers furious. Senator Kajwang’ said the Constitution gives Parliament the right to summon anyone, including the President. He insisted that Ruto must bring forward actual evidence if he truly believes MPs are corrupt.
“Article 125 gives us the power to compel any person to appear before this committee. This includes the President, who is making claims of unethical conduct by members of Parliament,” Kajwang’ declared.
He went on: “The Speakers should summon him to come and shed more light on this matter. We cannot allow unsubstantiated allegations to go unchallenged.”
Other Senators echoed his words, warning that such allegations weaken trust in Parliament and distract them from their oversight role. They said citizens may start believing that all lawmakers are corrupt if the President’s words are left hanging without proof.
One Senator added that Ruto’s comments sounded more like a trial by a “kangaroo court” than a serious fight against corruption.
The lawmakers also reminded the President that Kenya already has institutions to handle corruption cases. Bodies like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Parliament itself should be the ones to investigate and take action.
Instead of making claims at political gatherings, the Senators argued, Ruto should present his intelligence reports to the right agencies. That way, if anyone is guilty, they can be properly investigated and punished.
Senators further noted that while corruption is a real problem, casual remarks from the President risk doing more harm than good. They could destroy the reputation of innocent MPs and cause unnecessary political drama.
“This is not just about individuals. This is about the credibility of Parliament, which is one of the pillars of our democracy,” said one legislator.
Ruto, however, has remained firm. He told the Karen meeting that those who accept bribes will face justice. He promised that law enforcement agencies will arrest and prosecute any leaders found guilty of corrupt practices.
Still, the lack of names or evidence has left a dark cloud over Parliament. Kenyans are now asking: who is the mysterious Senator who allegedly took Ksh150 million? And will the President step forward to give more details?
The Senators believe only one thing can restore trust: Ruto must appear before Parliament and present proof. Without this, they say, Parliament’s dignity is at risk.
For now, the ball is in the Speakers’ court, Moses Wetang’ula of the National Assembly and Amason Kingi of the Senate. They are the ones who can summon the President to explain himself.
If they agree, it would mark a historic moment in Kenya: the sitting President being grilled in Parliament over remarks he made against MPs and Senators.
The issue has already sparked heated debate across the country. Some Kenyans support Ruto, saying it’s time corrupt MPs are exposed. Others feel he should not make such accusations without giving names and evidence.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the fight against corruption in Kenya has just taken a new and dramatic twist.
