Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi dumps Ruto on MPs’ bribery claims, asserting that the President’s allegations of corruption among lawmakers are largely accurate, though not implicating all parliamentarians. In a statement posted on X on August 19, Sudi emphasised that graft extends beyond MPs to governors, parastatal leaders, and principal secretaries, urging broader accountability.
Oscar Sudi also defends Ruto on MPs’ bribery claims. The remarks follow Ruto’s disclosures during a joint parliamentary group meeting, where he accused some MPs of accepting bribes to influence legislation, including Sh10 million for altering an anti-money laundering law and Sh150 million from a governor to sway senators.
Sudi’s defence came amid backlash from legislators demanding evidence for Ruto’s accusations. He acknowledged that while a minority in both the National Assembly and Senate are involved, the issue is pervasive.
“The statements by the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga about MPs’ bribery claims are true, but not all MPs are involved. Even in the Senate, it’s a minority,” Sudi stated.
He likened corrupt MPs to “egg thieves” but questioned the fate of “chicken thieves” in other government arms, highlighting systemic corruption across levels.
This stance aligns with Ruto’s warnings that committees have become extortion machines, undermining oversight and demanding payoffs for favourable reports.
The President’s revelations have sparked uproar, with MPs like Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ calling for Ruto to substantiate his claims before the Privileges Committee.
Kajwang has argued that blanket accusations erode Parliament’s credibility, urging a formal summons if evidence is withheld. Similarly, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo cautioned against taking lawmakers’ support for granted, stressing personal accountability in graft.
“Everyone will carry their own cross and give their own account before God that day is coming,” she said, emphasising both the “demand” and “supply” sides of corruption.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with supporters praising Sudi for his candour in defending Ruto, while critics accuse him of deflecting from legislative failures.
Posts highlight how Ruto’s comments risk opening a Pandora’s box, questioning the legitimacy of fast-tracked bills like those for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the housing levy.
Analysts note that Sudi’s intervention could escalate tensions between the executive and legislature, potentially leading to investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Ruto has vowed no sacred cows in the fight against graft, directing the EACC to prosecute without interference. However, opposition figures argue his accusations lack specifics, fueling demands for transparency. Sudi’s remarks reinforce the narrative that corruption is not isolated to Parliament, urging a holistic approach to cleanse all branches of government.
As debates intensify, Oscar Sudi defends Ruto on MPs’ bribery claims by shifting focus to widespread graft, potentially galvanising calls for systemic reforms.
This could prompt parliamentary motions to probe the allegations, ensuring accountability amid public doubts. Oscar Sudi’s defence of Ruto on the MPs’ bribery claims stance has drawn attention to the need for evidence-based accusations, with lawmakers like Odhiambo warning of political repercussions.
If unaddressed, such claims could erode trust in institutions, affecting governance stability. Critics view Oscar Sudi’s defence of Ruto on MPs’ bribery claims as a deflection tactic, but supporters see it as a call for broader anti-corruption measures.
The controversy shows the urgency for independent probes to restore credibility in Kenya’s political landscape. Oscar Sudi is attacking Ruto on MPs’ bribery claims, highlighting corruption’s reach beyond Parliament and urging comprehensive accountability.
