Richard Onyonka Alleges Government's Plot to Arrest Edwin Sifuna over Bribery Allegations
- Senator Richard Onyonka claimed a scheme was in motion to target legislators, linking the move to political manoeuvres
- He faulted President William Ruto for failing to confront corruption within the executive while accusing lawmakers of engaging in similar practices
- His remarks came hours after the president declared war on suspected corrupt leaders, both in the Senate and the National Assembly
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kisii senator Richard Onyonka has alleged that President William Ruto is plotting to arrest ODM secretary general and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna over bribery claims.
Source: Twitter
Speaking in Meru county on Monday, August 18, during a meeting with PNU leaders and members, Onyonka claimed that there was a scheme to target Sifuna and other legislators accused of receiving 'petty' bribes.
Is government planning to arrest Sifuna?
The senator said he had received information suggesting the government had directed security agencies to arrest Sifuna alongside several members of parliament.
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He criticised the head of state for what he termed selective justice, accusing him of overlooking corruption within the executive while directing blame at the legislature.
“We have just received information that the president wants to arrest Sifuna and other members of the Senate and the National Assembly. He wants to arrest them because they were receiving petty cash for bribes. Mr. President, if you want to deal with this, start by arresting yourself,” Onyonka stated.
His remarks followed Ruto’s declaration of a tough crackdown on lawmakers accused of pocketing bribes to influence legislative decisions.
Ruto maintained that intelligence reports had exposed entrenched corruption among legislators, particularly in parliamentary committees, where MPs allegedly pocketed up to KSh 10 million, while a senator was allegedly paid up to KSh 150 million to sway the outcome of crucial matters before the House.
Has Ruto formed task force to probe corruption?
Ruto unveiled a new task force to spearhead the fight against corruption, marking a tougher anti-graft stance.
The Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption (MAT), established through a presidential proclamation, will coordinate investigations, prosecutions, and asset recovery.
The Executive Office of the President will chair the team, with the Office of the Attorney General serving as its secretariat.
Membership includes key state organs such as NIS, EACC, ODPP, DCI, FRC, ARA, KRA, CBK, and the PPRA.
The MAT will focus on fostering inter-agency cooperation to effectively tackle corruption, economic crimes, and related offences.
Source: Facebook
How did Caleb Amisi react to Ruto's anti-graft task force?
Meanwhile, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi criticised Ruto’s decision to chair the newly formed anti-graft task force, calling it a conflict of interest.
Amisi argued that the president cannot be both judge and accused in matters where he is implicated alongside others not facing trial.
He described Ruto’s move as 'the most obnoxious lie' being served to Kenyans under the guise of fighting corruption.
The lawmaker further expressed concern over citizens being taken on a 'roller coaster with no clear destination,' urging a national rebirth.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
