Aasai

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) says it has launched an investigation into alleged bribery of MPs, following President William Rutos accusation that MPs have turned Parliament into a "marketplace of extortion." Through its chairman David Oginde, the commission says it is already tracking down several MPs involved, warning that no one will be spared once evidence is gathered. 

"We are actually conducting a thorough investigation into several individuals, and you will soon see the results at various levels of the leadership structure," Oginde said. The investigation covers allegations ranging from bribery to lobbying, inflated allowances, misuse of State Development Funds, and allegations that senior officials are being forced to pay security fees." allowances and security rackets," the chairman added. 

The commission says it has previously met with the Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, and will consult with them again - stressing that Parliament is a privileged institution where cooperation is essential for the investigation to succeed. "Its one rotten potato that ruins the whole package. 

We want to know: are there specific individuals, and what can be done - not just to punish them, but to end the whole thing?" Oginde posed. Civil society groups have also weighed in, calling on the President to substantiate his claims by submitting evidence to investigative agencies. "If the President is serious, he should submit evidence to the investigating authorities so that a thorough investigation can be carried out," Transparency International Kenya Executive Director Sheila Masinde said.

 President Ruto last week accused MPs of exaggerating corruption by demanding bribes from cabinet secretaries and governors, a statement that appears to have sparked a rift between the Executive and MPs. While addressing the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, he called out MPs who, he said, have turned parliamentary committees into a money-grubbing arm rather than carrying out oversight functions, calling Parliament a den of corruption. "There is something happening in parliament that needs to be shouted out. 

There is money being demanded from executives, from regional commissioners, from executives, especially those who are responsible." President Ruto, who refrained from his speech, pointed directly at unnamed parliamentary committees that he says have turned into embezzlement groups. "It cannot continue as usual. It cannot be that parliamentary committees are demanding payment to write reports or look the other way," Ruto said. 

The head of state, meanwhile, turned his greetings to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and demanded its detention. "I have made it clear to the EACC that there will be no sacred cows. There will be no calls from below or above to prevent anyone from being prosecuted," Ruto said.