Kenyan Newspapers Review: Moses Wetang'ula Slams Ruto Over Bribery Allegations in Parliament
On Friday, August 22, the Kenyan newspapers reported on the widening rift between the Executive and the Legislature.
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The dailies also highlighted the chaotic return of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua from the United States (US).
Source: UGC
1. The Standard
The National Assembly has intensified its criticism of President William Ruto after his recent claims that some Members of Parliament (MPs) were soliciting bribes from the Executive.
According to the paper, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula compared the accusations to an old story about a hyena accusing its children of having goat-like scents so it can eat them.
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Attacks on Parliament, according to Wetangula, are only mere allegations that have yet to be proven.
The speaker noted that without proving his accusations, Ruto put the House's integrity into question.
"When the hyena wants to eat its children, it says they smell like goats. We must be alert to what is said about us,” he reportedly stated during a retreat with MPs in Mombasa.
Ruto did not name the MPs he accused of asking for bribes to pass bills during a recent joint meeting of UDA and ODM MPs in Nairobi.
The president questioned the role of "welfare officers" in parliamentary watchdogs.
He claimed that an MP had solicited KSh 10 million at the most recent debate on the Conflict of Interest bill.
2. Daily Nation
The Social Health Authority (SHA) allegedly disbursed about KSh 20 million to Nyandiwa Health Centre, a facility that had been abandoned for 10 years in Homa Bay county.
According to the publication, the health centre 'treated' patients and submitted claims to SHA for reimbursement.
The official August 2025 disbursement schedule showed that SHA wired KSh 19,998,720 to the facility.
Official records at the ministry show that the health centre has an admission capacity of nine.
On SHA’s website, data indicates that the health centre was licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) in 2024 under permit GK-013891.
The authority describes it as a level-two hospital with the agent being the devolved government of Homa Bay.
It is unclear how a health centre that shut down long before SHA was launched was able to get a license from the KMPDC, most likely following an inspection, and then enter the payment system.
3. The Star
President Ruto is about to face his toughest test yet, as MPs have vowed to rebel after his widespread accusations of corruption, especially when it comes to matters that need Parliamentary approval.
Ruto's bribery allegations caused widespread political outrage, even as the multi-agency anti-graft team he established was suspended by the High Court.
Speaking in confidence, an MP expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the rejection of the Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2025, was the first indication of a looming conflict.
"I'm sure you've already noticed the consequences. Everyone's speeches were visible, including those of the majority and minority leaders. His support has been and will continue to be greatly impacted," the lawmaker said.
4. Taifa Leo
Following a six-week tour of the US, former DP Rigathi Gachagua made a dramatic comeback on Thursday, August 21.
Gachagua returned to the country to a chaotic reception and intense reactions that indicate he might now be the 'undisputed' leader of the opposition.
Gachagua spent a large portion of his time overseas launching scathing attacks against the president.
Political scientist Gasper Odhiambo argued that the DCP boss has three primary options: Reset his political strategy and find new allies, extend his cooperation to include the Kenya Moja wing, or continue developing the opposition from where he left off.
5. People Daily
In Ukambani, two prominent government officials are competing for control of the vote-rich region and hoping to serve as Ruto's point men.
In an attempt to energise the region to back the president's reelection campaign, both Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke are jostling for his attention.
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MPs on go-slow, paralyse committee business in protest over William Ruto's extortion claims
Ahead of the 2027 General Election, Mueke appears to have gained the president's support to take the lead in uniting the area under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, he faces an uphill task, as Ukambani is an opposition stronghold.
It is alleged that Mutua, who was formerly considered Ruto's point man in the Ukambani region, failed to produce the desired results.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
