NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has reminded President William Ruto’s administration that Parliament retains the constitutional authority to impeach members of the Executive, including the Head of State, as tensions over bribery claims rock both Houses.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Ichung’wah rallied MPs not to be intimidated in their oversight role, stressing that legislators are elected to represent Kenyans and keep the government in check.
“That is why this House has powers under the Constitution to impeach those in the Executive, and those in the Executive can do nothing to remove you from this House,” Ichung’wah said. “We do not exercise oversight as a favor to the President or the Executive, but on behalf of the people of Kenya. Nobody should instill fear in you when carrying out your mandate.”
This House has powers under the Constitution to impeach those in the Executive and those in the Executive can do nothing to remove you from this House – Kimani Ichung’wah
His remarks come after President Ruto alleged that some MPs had pocketed millions in bribes to frustrate the passage of the recently enacted anti-money laundering law.
Speaking during a UDA–ODM parliamentary group meeting on Monday, the President claimed he had intelligence showing that committee members had collected up to Sh10 million to block the legislation.
“Do you know that a few members of your committee collected Sh10 million so that you don’t pass that law on anti-money laundering? Did you get the money?” Ruto posed, without naming the lawmakers involved.
The allegations have rattled both Houses, with senators accusing the President of tarnishing Parliament’s image and demanding he be summoned to provide evidence.
Members of the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have even threatened impeachment motions against Speakers Amason Kingi and Moses Wetang’ula if they fail to compel Ruto to substantiate his claims.
“It’s not us that are weak, it’s the leadership of the House that is weak. We’re being invaded by the Executive and our leadership is not saying anything,” Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna added: “The Speaker must defend the institution of Parliament. The Majority and Minority leaders must also stand firm and not reduce the House to a place of jokes.”
The anti-money laundering law, passed weeks ago, seeks to tighten oversight on illicit financial flows and align Kenya with global standards in the fight against corruption and terrorism financing.
President Ruto has vowed tougher action against corrupt legislators and officials, warning that both bribe-givers and bribe-takers will face arrest.
The Majority Leader insisted that the independence of the House is guaranteed under the Constitution and must be protected at all costs.
