MPs On Go-Slow, Paralyse Committee Business in Protest over William Ruto's Extortion Claims
- President William Ruto accused Members of Parliament of engaging in corruption deals to pass crucial bills
- Members of the National Assembly took an unprecedented step as they expressed their anger at the president's remarks
- During a heated session on Tuesday, August 19, the angry lawmakers did not spare the president
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Members of Parliament (MPs) have strongly protested over President William Ruto's extortion allegations.
Source: Facebook
During the joint ODM-Kenya Kwanza Alliance parliamentary group meeting, the president claimed MPs have been demanding cash from national executives to pass important bills.
Why MPs went on a go-slow
On Tuesday, August 19, the National Assembly members paralysed committee businesses in protest of Ruto's controversial remarks.
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In their go-slow, none of the National Assembly committees held a sitting, with only Senate committees holding their sessions.
During their normal sitting, the MPs directed their anger at the president, accusing him of being ungrateful.
How MPs reacted to Ruto's extortion claims
Hon Pukose:
"It is a very embarrassing situation when the head of state stands and accuses this house and specifically referring to the Committee. It is not acceptable. If there was any issue, he should have been able to have us as MPs to discuss such issues. To me I suppose that most likely the head of state might have been lied to by whoever took the information to him, that person took KSh 10 million to the JLAC.
Hon Anthony Kibagendi:
"It is the classic case of the skunk calling the pig stinky. The President, who himself bears responsibility for questionable governance decisions, has erred gravely in issuing a blanket condemnation of this August House. While Parliament is not without flaws, dismissing it wholesale is unfortunate, hypocritical, and an affront to the very democratic institution that gives legitimacy to the Presidency."
John Mutunga:
"Since last week, when the pronouncement was made at the Devolution Conference, we have suffered once more. We suffered after passing the Finance Bill, we suffered after broadening the government, we suffered after sacking some CSs, we have suffered many times, but this is what we are getting in return. It is unfair."
Robert Mbui
"We must make sure that, as a House, we fight together. There is something going on with the Executive. When they say that this House has corrupt practices, I have been seeing empowerment forums all over the country. Someone who was just a CS the other day is able to give about KSh 2 million or KSh 3 million every week. What we need to do is start auditing the Executive also. This is a case of the pot calling the kettle black."
Should MPs impeach William Ruto?
In other news, former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president, Nelson Havi dared MPs to table an impeachment motion against Ruto.
In a tweet, Havi challenged parliament to take the president head-on if they truly felt offended by his corruption claims.
The lawyer noted that the matter was not simply about political rivalry but about safeguarding public trust in institutions.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
