President Ruto’s sentiments on corrupt lawmakers has sparked sharp reactions both at the National Assembly and the Senate strongly, halting sessions, threatening impeachment, and demanding proof. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is now investigating the claims made by the President on August 18, 2025 during a joint Parliamentary group meeting hosted for Kenya Kwanza and ODM member.
Predent Ruto, aiming to step up his fight against corruption with a new Multi-Agency Team (MAT), said MPs and senators have been asking for bribes from cabinet secretaries, governors, and other state officers. He mentioned intelligence reports claiming MPs got up to KSh 10 million to pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, and one senator took KSh 150 million for a House matter. Ruto warned of arrests and prosecutions, saying, “We will deal with them perpendicularly,” and called on parliamentary speakers to take action.
The backlash in Parliament was immediate. An MP angrily responding to Ruto’s accusations, with text saying, “MPs fire back at President Ruto for maligning them,” as sessions were paused. Senators have threatened to impeach Speaker Amason Kingi unless he brings Ruto to answer the allegations. In the National Assembly, Tetu MP Wandeto criticized Ruto, pointing out the irony: “The person who was named the most corrupt in the world is accusing Parliament of corruption. Mr. Speaker, someone should see a psychiatrist, urgently.”
Not everyone in Parliament agreed. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi admitted some truth in Ruto and Raila Odinga’s claims but said not all MPs are involved, also mentioning corruption among governors and parastatal heads. Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi suggested lawmakers should impeach Ruto if they really reject the allegations. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was critical of his colleagues’ reactions, and Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) Chair George Muraguri denied the KSh 10 million bribe claim related to the anti-money laundering bill, demanding evidence.
The controversy disrupted a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) meeting in Karen, ending abruptly due to Ruto and Odinga’s ongoing bribery accusations. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed questioned why Ruto hasn’t arrested those he accuses, asking, “If Ruto knows those who are stealing, why can’t he arrest them?” Parliamentary sessions continued to be tense as MPs responded strongly to Ruto’s statements.
The EACC has started looking into the accusations against MPs for demanding bribes and extortion, checking if Ruto’s claims hold water. Lobby groups have blamed Ruto, saying as Head of State, he is ultimately responsible for the corruption crisis.
