The Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has finally broken his silence over President William Ruto’s sentiments that Senators received up to Ksh150 million in bribes to influence decisions.
During a Senate session on Wednesday, August 20, Kingi denied receiving any complaints, information or knowledge relating to bribery or extortion claims against any senator.
“As the speaker of the Senate, I have not received any complaint, or information relating to bribery or extortion or any other corrupt practice against a senator from a member of the executive, the ministries, department, or agencies of government, a governor or other county agencies,’’ Kingi said.
“If I do receive such complaints, I am obligated and I will take the necessary stern action without delay,’’ Kingi continued.
Kingi’s clarification comes days after President Ruto’s remarks on Monday during a Kenya Kwanza and ODM Joint Parliamentary Group meeting in Karen, Nairobi.
The President claimed that he had credible intelligence showing that members of both Houses had been receiving bribes to influence key parliamentary decisions, including impeachment proceedings.
“The latest Soko Huru in the Senate, where does somebody find Ksh150 million? Is that his money? That is money that belongs to the county,’’ President Ruto said.
In regard to the Senate being compromised during impeachment proceedings, Kingi maintained that the impeachment process was a public matter and did not show any consistent pattern of acquittal or confirmation of impeachment charges.
“The Senate has conducted all its impeachment proceedings in accordance with the Constitution and the law and has made its examinations on the basis of the evidence provided under the law,’’ the Speaker continued.
However, the Speaker has welcomed any leader with evidence of inducement against a senator to present it to the House for a proper investigation.
This echoes the sentiments of other senators who have also challenged President Ruto to provide evidence for the allegations he made.
The senators argued that the president's dire statements were endangering the Senate's mandate and undermining their credibility.
They demanded that Ruto present testimonials, intelligence reports or any other evidence he had to support his claims.
