Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has dismissed claims by President William Ruto that senators received bribes of up to KSh150 million to influence parliamentary decisions.
Speaking during a Senate sitting on Wednesday, August 20, Kingi said he had not received any complaint, report, or intelligence relating to bribery or extortion involving senators.
“As the Speaker of the Senate, I have not received any complaint, or information relating to bribery, extortion, or any other corrupt practice against a senator from a member of the executive, ministries, departments, government agencies, governors, or county offices,” Kingi stated.
He added: “If I do receive such complaints, I am obligated and I will take the necessary stern action without delay.”
Kingi’s remarks followed President Ruto’s claims on Monday during a Kenya Kwanza–ODM joint parliamentary group meeting in Karen, where the Head of State alleged that both Houses of Parliament had been compromised.
“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, suggesting senators had been bribed during impeachment proceedings.
In response, Kingi stressed that Senate impeachment hearings are public processes guided strictly by the Constitution and evidence presented before the House.
“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,” he explained.
The Speaker welcomed any leader with credible evidence of bribery to table it before the House for investigation. His position aligns with sentiments from several senators who have also challenged the President to provide proof to back his allegations.
Lawmakers warned that such remarks, without evidence, could erode public trust in the Senate and undermine its constitutional mandate.
