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Storm on JKLive as Senators Clash Over ‘House of Bribes’ Claims in Parliament

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NAIROBI, Kenya — A heated debate erupted during Wednesday night’s episode of JKLive as Senators sharply disagreed over the integrity of Kenya’s Parliament, with some lawmakers alleging that corruption has deeply infiltrated the institution.

Richard Onyonka, the Senator for Kisii County, and John Methu of Nyandarua County accused sections of Parliament of engaging in bribery and compromising the legislature’s oversight role.

Onyonka claimed that some legislators attempt to influence parliamentary committee reports, particularly when governors appear before oversight panels.

“There are colleagues who say Kenya has become a ‘house of bribes,’ and they argue that some members are part of that problem,” Onyonka said. “When governors appear before committees, there are attempts to influence the outcome of reports… members are approached and asked to soften findings or ignore issues raised in audit reports.”

Claims of Political Interference

The Kisii Senator also alleged that political interests influence membership in key parliamentary committees, particularly those responsible for oversight.

He claimed opposition-aligned lawmakers sometimes face intimidation or removal from influential committees if they raise uncomfortable questions.

“Why was I kicked out of the PAC?” Onyonka posed, referring to the Public Accounts Committee. “Because I was told I had been asking too many questions about ODM governors. But my job is to oversee these guys.”

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Onyonka further described Parliament as deeply compromised, saying some members focus more on personal interests than public service.

“It’s a filthy place… a den of gamblers and money dealers and gold proprietors,” he said. “The only thing they never do is fight for public service or service delivery.”

Oversight Under Fire

Senator Methu partly echoed the criticism, arguing that Parliament has gradually lost its effectiveness as a watchdog over public resources.

“House of bribes, as it has been called,” Methu said. “When we began asking tough questions, we were told, ‘You’re first-time Senators. This is not how things are done.’”

According to the Nyandarua Senator, the Legislature has become “the weak link” in serving Kenyans.

He further alleged that financial inducements have influenced some impeachment proceedings, citing the 2024 removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“We have heard admissions… someone openly narrating how Sh100 million was given to impeach a governor,” Methu claimed. “We have seen money exchange hands and bags of cash carried during another impeachment process.”

Methu also questioned why some governors have only recently begun accusing senators of demanding bribes.

“If governors say senators are asking for bribes, why didn’t they complain earlier?” he asked. “You have been appearing before the committee year after year. Why raise it now?”

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Defence of Parliament’s Role

However, Tom Ojienda, Senator for Kisumu County, offered a different perspective, defending Parliament’s constitutional mandate.

Ojienda said the legislature continues to perform well in law-making and representation under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

He cited Article 95, which outlines the role of the National Assembly of Kenya, and Article 96, which establishes the oversight and representation role of the Senate of Kenya.

“I have a contrary opinion,” Ojienda said. “Parliament has a duty to enact laws, and we are doing very well in that regard.”

He acknowledged, however, that challenges remain in the oversight function, particularly when senators scrutinise county governments.

“Oversight is where there is a problem,” he said. “And oversight because we are oversighting governors and people feel that they should not be oversighted.”

The exchange highlights growing tensions around the effectiveness and integrity of Parliament’s oversight role, especially as senators intensify scrutiny of county governments over the use of public funds.

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