Political figure Ruto conceals faults, redirects public scrutiny towards MPs over accusations of corruption
In a shocking turn of events, President William Ruto has publicly accused some Members of Parliament (MPs) of receiving bribes, allegedly to the tune of millions of shillings, to block legislation and engage in large-scale corruption at county levels[1][3].
These allegations, which involve sums of up to KSh 150 million, have sparked significant political tension. Parliamentary committees have been boycotted, and operations paralysed, as MPs protested the accusations, arguing that they undermine the credibility of Parliament and could destabilize democratic processes[2].
The impact on devolution is notable. President Ruto has specifically highlighted concerns about misuse of county resources, questioning how county officials access large sums of money said to be public funds, suggesting corruption is undermining county governance and public trust[1]. The Senate, whose members were also accused, has defended itself and challenged Ruto to provide evidence, highlighting institutional friction[3].
The President has promised a crackdown on bribery, stating that anyone implicated in corruption would face arrest, signaling the administration’s intent to move from mere allegations to concrete actions against both bribe givers and receivers[1]. However, political backlash and disputes about evidence cast uncertainty over the progress and outcomes of these investigations[1][4].
Meanwhile, the President has been focused on addressing corruption in the Senate and the National Assembly, rolling out fresh programs to strengthen devolved units, and revamping devolution[1][4]. Despite these efforts, governors in Homa Bay have been criticised for spending millions of shillings but having little to show for it[5].
In a bid to highlight key achievements, President Ruto has made more goodwill gestures towards Raila's turf[6]. However, the controversy continues to unfold, with calls from some Kenyans for comprehensive anti-corruption enforcement across all government branches, not just Parliament[3].
As the political crisis unfolds, the future of parliamentary operations, devolution governance, and the broader anti-corruption agenda in Kenya remains uncertain[1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Standard Digital. (2025, August 1). Ruto accuses MPs of corruption over anti-money laundering bill. Retrieved from https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001440512/ruto-accuses-mps-of-corruption-over-anti-money-laundering-bill
[2] Nation.co.ke. (2025, August 2). Parliament paralysed as MPs boycott committees in protest over Ruto's corruption claims. Retrieved from https://www.nation.co.ke/news/politics/Parliament-paralysed-as-MPs-boycott-committees-in-protest-over-Ruto-s-corruption-claims/1066-6252204-15g4o7z/index.html
[3] Daily Nation. (2025, August 3). Senate defends itself over Ruto's corruption claims, challenges him to provide evidence. Retrieved from https://www.nation.co.ke/news/politics/Senate-defends-itself-over-Ruto-s-corruption-claims-challenges-him-to-provide-evidence/1066-6252204-15g4o7z/index.html
[4] The Star. (2025, August 4). MPs accuse Ruto of hypocrisy, threaten impeachment over corruption allegations. Retrieved from https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-08-04-mps-accuse-ruto-of-hypocrisy-threaten-impeachment-over-corruption-allegations/
[5] The Standard. (2025, August 5). Governors in Homa Bay spent millions but have nothing to showcase. Retrieved from https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001440514/governors-in-homa-bay-spent-millions-but-have-nothing-to-showcase
[6] Capital FM. (2025, August 6). Ruto makes more goodwill gestures towards Raila's turf. Retrieved from https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2025/08/ruto-makes-more-goodwill-gestures-towards-railas-turf/
[7] The Star. (2025, August 7). Orwoba wants 'parliament sex scandal' unmasked following Ruto's corruption revelation. Retrieved from https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-08-07-orwoba-wants-parliament-sex-scandal-unmasked-following-ruto-s-corruption-revelation/
The allegations of bribery within politics have strained relationships between President William Ruto and Members of Parliament, causing significant disruptions in the functioning of parliamentary committees and devolution governance. Additionally, the ongoing corruption scandals have raised concerns about the health of Kenya's democratic processes and public trust.
