Sifuna, Babu Owino a No-Show as Ruto Hosts Kenya Kwanza-ODM PG Meeting (Photos)
President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga on Monday, August 18, co-chaired a joint Kenya Kwanza–ODM parliamentary group meeting at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Nairobi.
The high-level meeting brought together a wide range of lawmakers, though notable absentees included ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Among the leaders present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, and UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar. Others in attendance included Nominated MP Sabina Chege, Mandera Senator Ali Roba, Tigania East MP Mpuri Aburi, Migori Senator Eddy Oketh, Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’, and South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro.
Ruto Targets MPs in Corruption Crackdown
One of the main issues discussed was corruption within parliamentary committees. President Ruto warned that MPs accused of taking bribes will face arrest and prosecution.
He alleged that some legislators received up to Ksh10 million to pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, saying such actions undermine the credibility of Parliament.
“Some MPs collected Ksh10 million to push the Anti-Money Laundering Bill. Did you get any of that money?” Ruto asked.
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The President stressed that both the bribe givers and recipients would be punished, stating:
“Parliament is losing credibility because of a few people who pocket money in its name. We won’t shame them — we will arrest them. Both the giver and the taker will face the law.”
Junet Mohamed Defends MPs, Calls It Lobbying
However, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed dismissed the bribery claims, arguing that what happens in Parliament is lobbying, not corruption.
He explained that lobbying is a globally accepted practice and should not be confused with bribery.
“There are certain statements you made about Parliament, Mr. President. I believe you were referring to lobbying, which is an international practice. What you described is different from what happens here,” Junet said.
He added that lobbying usually comes from external groups, not from inside Parliament.
“Lobbying is recognized worldwide and done by outsiders, not MPs themselves. The practice you described is unfamiliar to us,” he clarified.
Sifuna, Babu Owino a No-Show as Ruto Hosts Kenya Kwanza-ODM PG Meeting (Photos)
