Senators want Ruto summoned over bribery claims

Senate CPAC Committee members Chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang (right) flanked by members Jones Mwaruma (vice chair) Edwin Sifuna,Enock Wambua and Samson Cherargei address the Media at Bunge Towers, Nairobi.[Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Senate Accounts Committee Chairperson Moses Kajwang' has challenged House speakers to summon President William Ruto to provide evidence on his recent allegations of extortion in Parliament.

Kajwang', who chaired the committee session at Bunge Towers on Tuesday, August 19, was joined by members Jones Mwaruma (vice chair), Edwin Sifuna, Enock Wambua, and Samson Cherargei.

The senators cited Article 125 of the Constitution, which empowers Parliament and its committees to summon any person to provide evidence or information.

"We expect the speaker of the Senate to summon the president to come and provide evidence of the unethical conduct he has been referring to in the public domain," said the MP.

The session also featured Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, who was asked whether he could appear before Members of the County Assembly.

Malombe responded that in the interest of good governance, he would, noting that county assemblies should mirror Parliament's accountability role.

His remarks sparked debate among senators.

Kajwang' stressed that Parliament and county assemblies alike have the authority to summon anyone. This raised the question of whether the president falls within that scope.

"The president is a person because, in case of any impeachment proceeding, they appear before the House to defend themselves. No one is exempt from the law to appear before both Houses or committees," Senator Cherargei said.

Sifuna further criticised governors for allowing the recent Devolution Conference in Homa Bay to be used as a platform to attack senators.

"Governors provided a platform in Homa Bay for the senators to be attacked. What is this that needs to happen for you to say that no, we are not bribing senators? What are you waiting for?" posed Sifuna.

The debate comes days after Ruto accused MPs and senators of soliciting bribes from government officers appearing before committees.

Speaking at the 2025 Devolution Conference last week, the president claimed Cabinet secretaries and governors had fallen victim to extortion.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also weighed in, questioning the Senate's oversight of counties. "I believe in a balance of power between Nairobi and the counties; none should stand in the way of the other. I believe in strong county executives overseen by equally strong county assemblies. County governments are supposed to be overseen by county assemblies, not the Senate. The Senate doesn't have to be summoning Governors to appear before Senators in Nairobi," he said.

Ruto's remarks and the senators' response have intensified political debate across the divide.