Kisii Senator Onyonka Claims Government Plans to Arrest Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna Over Bribery Allegations
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has sensationally claimed that the government is preparing to arrest Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna together with other Members of Parliament accused of bribery.
Onyonka made the remarks on Monday, August 18, during a Party of National Unity (PNU) consultative forum held in Meru County. The Kisii Senator told the gathering that reliable information had reached them indicating that state agencies were already planning to move against Sifuna and other legislators.
“We have just received information that the president wants to arrest Sifuna and other members of the Senate and the National Assembly because they were allegedly involved in bribery,” Onyonka alleged while addressing the forum.
President Ruto’s Warning on Corruption in Parliament
The claims by Onyonka came only days after President William Ruto issued a strong warning to legislators accused of corruption. Ruto said that any MP found demanding or receiving bribes in exchange for passing laws will face arrest and prosecution.
Speaking during a joint meeting that brought together Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmakers, the President accused some MPs of betraying public trust by accepting money to influence legislation.
He specifically mentioned that a section of lawmakers allegedly received a Ksh10 million bribe to pass the controversial Anti-Money Laundering Bill.
“Did you know that a few Members of Parliament collected Ksh10 million so that you could pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill? Did you get that money?” Ruto posed to the MPs, sparking murmurs across the room.
Bribery Allegations Threaten Credibility of Parliament
According to Ruto, such acts of corruption are not only illegal but also undermine the credibility of Parliament in the eyes of the public. The President emphasized that citizens elect MPs to represent their interests, not to enrich themselves through questionable deals.
“There are people who are destroying the credibility of Parliament. They are collecting money in the name of Parliament. Most of the time, that money never even reaches Parliament; it only benefits a few individuals,” the President stated.
The Head of State further stressed that the fight against corruption would target both the lawmakers involved and those offering the bribes.
“We are not going to shame them. We are going to arrest them. Whoever is giving and whoever is being given, we will deal with them firmly,” Ruto warned.
Political Reactions
Onyonka’s remarks have sparked debate within political circles, with some leaders questioning whether the claims are genuine or part of political maneuvering. Allies of Senator Sifuna within the ODM have expressed concern that the allegations may be an attempt to silence outspoken opposition voices.
Meanwhile, supporters of President Ruto argue that the Head of State has shown commitment to tackling corruption, even if it implicates lawmakers across the political divide.
What This Means for Kenyan Politics
The unfolding saga highlights the growing tension between the opposition and government over issues of accountability and governance. If arrests do happen, they are likely to trigger heated political battles both in Parliament and at the grassroots level.
The bribery claims tied to the Anti-Money Laundering Bill also raise questions about how legislative processes are handled in Kenya. Critics argue that corruption scandals of this nature weaken public trust and derail key reforms meant to safeguard the economy from illicit financial flows.
For now, the nation will be watching closely to see if Senator Edwin Sifuna and other MPs will indeed face arrest, or whether the claims remain part of Kenya’s high-stakes political drama.
Kisii Senator Onyonka Claims Government Plans to Arrest Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna Over Bribery Allegations
