Juja Member of Parliament (MP) George Koimburi is set to appear before Parliament at 2:45 PM today to address his controversial claim that legislators were bribed to support the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024.
Koimburi made these allegations during a speech at AIPCA Ndururumo Church in Juja constituency, where he claimed that lawmakers carried the bribe money in sacks. He also asserted that he refused the bribe and voted against the bill, which led to nationwide protests and youth breaching Parliament. Following the uproar, Koimburi issued an apology letter expressing regret and seeking forgiveness from the House leadership and fellow MPs.
Despite his apology, many MPs have dismissed it as insufficient and are calling for Koimburi to be held accountable. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed receipt of the apology letter but noted that Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah had disowned it, claiming Koimburi flagged it as fake on social media.
Speaker Wetangula directed Koimburi to appear before the House on Today at 2:45 PM to explain his actions and the context of his apology. “I have allowed Hon. Koimburi to address the complaints raised by the affected members and provide context for his apology letter. Following his appearance, I will guide the House on any subsequent actions required,” Wetangula said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan and other legislators are calling for the matter to be referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee for a thorough investigation. Keynan remarked, “As much as the apology might appear sincere, it is crucial that this issue is properly investigated. I urge Mr. Speaker to refer this matter to the Powers and Privileges Committee to ensure justice is served.”
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also demanded that Koimburi provide concrete proof for his allegations. “When an honourable member makes such claims, he should be put to strict proof. If he cannot substantiate his statements and merely apologizes without proving his allegations, we are coerced into accepting his apology. He must prove who offered him Ksh. 2 million. If he lied, he should be punished,” said Passaris.
