NAIROBI, Kenya – In a move to intensify Kenya’s fight against corruption, President William Ruto announced on Thursday that he has referred the highly anticipated Conflict of Interest Bill back to Parliament for further review.
The decision was made during the swearing-in ceremony of new cabinet and principal secretaries at State House.
Ruto emphasized the importance of crafting a law that would effectively tackle the issue of corruption, often linked to public officials prioritizing personal interests over their public duties.
He called on both the National Assembly and the Senate to work collaboratively in refining the bill to ensure it upholds the highest standards of accountability and integrity.
“I have just referred back to Parliament the Conflict of Interest Bill. It is critical that we get a law that can truly help us manage and eventually eliminate corruption, which often arises from the conflict of interest that public officials face when serving their personal agendas rather than the public good,” Ruto stated.
This latest move follows a string of frustrations voiced by the president earlier this year when he accused Parliament of stalling the passage of the bill.
At the time, Ruto lamented that lawmakers were “sabotaging” the fight against corruption, particularly by dragging their feet on the bill’s passage.
During a State of the Nation address, he demanded swift action from Parliament.
“I implore you, Honourable Members, that you must stop dragging your feet and stop sabotaging the passage of the Conflict of Interest Bill,” Ruto said.
The president has now reiterated that he will not hesitate to veto any version of the bill that fails to meet the necessary anti-corruption standards.
“I will turn down any bill that does not establish a high standard of accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption measures,” Ruto warned.
The Conflict of Interest Bill, which aims to prevent public officials from using their power for personal gain, includes strict sanctions for government officials found guilty of using their position for private advantage.
It sets out clear guidelines to ensure that officials separate their personal interests from their professional duties, a crucial step toward restoring public trust in the government.
While the bill has garnered support, its passage has been delayed by ongoing debates and disagreements within Parliament.
However, the president’s latest intervention signals his unwavering commitment to pushing the bill through, urging lawmakers to act with urgency in creating a robust legal framework that will protect public resources from misuse.
