A long-standing debate over the integrity of Kenya’s National Assembly flared up again on JKLive Wednesday night. During the broadcast, several senators claimed that corruption is rampant among MPs, who reportedly succumb easily to financial inducements.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Nyandarua Senator John Methu both characterized Parliament as a “House of Bribes.”
“There are colleagues who say Kenya has become a ‘house of bribes,’ and they argue that some members are part of that problem. They allege that when governors appear before committees, there are attempts to influence the outcome of reports…that members are approached and asked to soften findings or ignore issues raised in audit reports,” said Onyonka.
Political Intimidation and Committee Interference
Onyonka also charged that political interests dictate the makeup of parliamentary committees. He pointed out that leadership often intimidates and removes opposition-aligned lawmakers from influential roles.
“Why was I kicked out of the PAC (Public Accounts Committee)? Because I was told you’ve been asking too many questions about ODM governors…. I said, but my job is to oversee these guys, and they’re doing some filthy stuff. They’re able to influence who will sit in what committee and what they must speak,” he stated.
Onyonka further labeled the House as “rotten,” painting a bleak picture of its current state.
“It’s a filthy place. I’ve always said it. It’s a den of gamblers and street vendors and money dealers and gold proprietors, except the only thing they never do is fight for public service, fight for service delivery, or fight for money not to be wasted.”
A Breakdown in Oversight
Senator Methu on his part agreed with these views, arguing that Parliament has abandoned its oversight responsibilities.
“House of Bribes, as it has been called… When we began asking tough questions, we were told, ‘You’re first-time senators. This is not how things are done. You’re asking too many questions,’” Methu asserted.
In Methu’s view, the legislature now represents the primary obstacle to serving the Kenyan public.
“But the truth is, in my opinion, Parliament has become the weak link in serving the people of Kenya.”
Allegations of Cash-for-Impeachment
The senator further alleged that bribery drives impeachment proceedings, pointing specifically to the 2024 ouster of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“We have heard admissions…someone openly narrating how Ksh.100 million was given to impeach a Governor. We have seen money exchange hands. We saw bags of cash being carried during another impeachment process. Members were reportedly told, ‘There is money here, just come and collect,’” he claimed.
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He also voiced suspicion over why certain governors are only just now accusing senators of soliciting bribes.
“What has surprised me is hearing governors now claim that senators are asking for bribes. If that is the case, you have been the governor for three years; you have appeared before the Public Accounts Committee year after year. Why didn’t you complain in the first year? Or the second? Or the third? Why now, in the fourth year?” He posed.
Onyonka said these county leaders are only speaking out now because they must finally answer for their budgets and decisions.
“The reason, in my view, is that they are now answering for financial years that fall squarely under their tenure as governors… Now the accountability relates directly to their administration.”
