Wetangula to Ruto: When the hyena wants to eat its children, it says they smell like goats

When President William Ruto arrived in Rome, Italy, and received by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula to join other world leaders and Catholic faithful in the funeral of Pope Francis. [PCS] National Assembly leadership have intensified criticism against President William Ruto's recent accusation that some parliamentary committees were soliciting bribes. The Speaker of the House, Moses Wetangula, likened the claims to an old adage of hyena accusing its children of smelling like goats so that it can devour them. He said attacks on parliament were mere allegations that are yet to be verified. The Speaker said the attacks on the House from the president put parliament's integrity in doubt. "When the hyena wants to eat its children, it says they smell like goats...... We must be alert to what is said about us," said Wetangula during the MPs meeting in Mombasa. During the recent UDA and ODM MPs joint meeting at State House Nairobi, President Ruto fell short of naming MPs he accused of soliciting bribes to pass certain legislation. The Head of State questioned the functions of "welfare officers" in parliamentary watchdogs. He said during the recent debate on conflict of interest law, an MP solicited Sh10 million. Senators and MPs are piling pressure on the President to name the source and recipient of the said bribes. Parliament accuses the president of soiling their names without proof. READ: Ruto's executive rot: When the pot calls the kettle black "Undoubtedly, without integrity, a man is nothing. Without integrity, leaders lose credibility among the people they lead. Without integrity, even the best-executed roles are without impact. Without integrity, leadership fails," said Wetangula. He spoke yesterday during the National Assembly's 3rd leadership retreat at the Serena Beach Hotel in Mombasa County. Wetangula said it was through integrity that MPs can gain public trust. But MPs demanded evidence on alleged corruption in the House to be made available, saying President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have merely expressed their opinion about graft. The MPs said they were waiting for corrupt MPs, if any, to be exposed and prosecuted, noting that the burden of proof rests on those making the allegations. Suba North MP Ms Millie Odhiambo said both the giver and taker should be exposed so that they face legal action. "It takes two for corruption to happen. Both the giver and taker are culpable, and hence they should be revealed and prosecuted," she said. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Ruaraka MP Thom Kajwang demanded to see the graft allegations by the president and the ODM thoroughly investigated and those found culpable face legal action. They, however, said the statement by the president and Raila remains a personal opinion, as there is no evidence adduced about graft. "The president and Raila are entitled to their opinion, but the matter should be treated beyond just an opinion," said Mohamed. said if there is no proof, parliament will ignore the allegations and continue with its work. Mohamed said whoever alleges must bear the burden of proof and challenged the two leaders to ensure that corrupt MPs are brought to book. They argued that MPs are well paid and facilitated to do their work, and there is no reason for any of them to engage in corruption. Kajwang said the matter should be taken with the seriousness it deserves now that the two leaders have raised it and called for a proper investigation to unearth the truth. He said MPs are prepared to deal with the matter and ensure bad elements who may be in their midst are punished. Kajwang said criticism was normal and said members of the public have a right to do so as much as they can. "We will take it with jest that it comes, but we will remain focused and do our work. If there are wolves amongst us, the law should take its course," he said. Wetangula convened an evening session to discuss the issues affecting the house, including the dos and don'ts. "Solicitation by the parliamentary committees on passing bills remains an allegation, but we must discuss it. We are bound by responsibility as enshrined in Article 73 of the constitution. Without integrity, a leader is nothing," said Wetangula. ALSO READ: Murugara dares Ruto to name MPs in Sh10m bribery allegations He told the MP to be alert about what is being said about them and work towards upholding the house's integrity. "You have to conduct yourself in a manner that brings honour to your offices," said Wetangula. The speaker asked the MPs not to be afraid and diligently deliver their duties without minding about naysayers. "Issa Jumwa said that spoons in the kitchen don't fear fire. So as leaders, don't fear. 30 per cent of the people will like you, and the other 30 per cent will dislike you. Now the 40 per cent of the masses is up to you to convince them to like you or not," said Wetangula. The speaker said that the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, prohibits MPs, in the performance of an official duty, from granting a person preferential treatment beyond what is allowed by law or a written policy. He said the bill also disallows the legislators from being influenced by offers of outside employment in the exercise of an official power or performance of your duties; prohibits us from entering into contracts for the supply of goods and services as well as contracts for the disposal of goods with the Parliamentary Service Commission; He said the Conflict bill bars MPs from acquiring an interest in a legal entity that is party to a contract with the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) and restricts the house from engaging in other gainful employment which is incompatible with official duties, impairs MPs' judgement in the execution of official duties or results in a conflict of interest. "I direct the Clerk to urgently apprise members of the new modalities of submission of the initial declarations to ensure compliance within the prescribed timelines," said Wetangula.

Wetangula to Ruto: When the hyena wants to eat its children, it says they smell like goats

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Wetangula to Ruto: When the hyena wants to eat its children, it says they smell like goats

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