Kenyan MPs conduct special meeting over their integrity
Kenyan lawmakers at a past session. A Bill aimed at tracing former soldiers to expose those engaging in crime is in Parliament for its Second Reading. FILE PHOTO |
What you need to know:
The lawmakers met yesterday noon in a special kamukunji (meeting) to try to clean their soiled image following recent claims that MPs were using their committees to rent-seek
Nairobi. MPs have called a special meeting to discuss their integrity after Majority and Minority leaders in Parliament raised concerns about rising corruption and soliciting of bribes among members.
The leaders said some legislators were using their positions to ask for kickbacks through House committees.
The lawmakers met yesterday at noon in a special kamukunji (meeting) to try to clean their soiled image following recent claims that MPs were using their committees to rent-seek. Earlier, in a TV show on Wednesday, Majority Leader Aden Duale and Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo raised the same issue.
However, the MPs were furious with the two, saying they were accusing members without substantiation.
The MPs took their wrath on Mr Duale (URP) and Mr Midiwo (ODM), asking them to be named.
They said the two had used a morning TV talk show to label them corrupt and rent-seekers.
During a heated session in the House, the two were bombarded with shouts of “shame, shame” as angry lawmakers made known their displeasure.
Homabay Women Representative Gladys Wanga (ODM) raised the matter in the House saying the integrity of the members had been brought into disrepute by remarks made by the two leaders on Citizen TV’s morning show Cheche.
“Serious aspersions were cast on the integrity of this House and its members. It was alleged that the members of this house are corrupt. That the committees are corrupt. If the majority and the minority leaders have evidence then they should substantiate the claims or be named,” said Ms Wanga.
She said the two could not point a finger at any member without substantiation.
Baringo North MP William Cheptumo (URP) said evidence should be tabled in the House if indeed it was true some members had asked for bribes.
“I would like to say these are very serious allegations.
The talk show was watched by Kenyans and our constituents. If such statement is made, then it might be understood that it applies to the whole House. We demand specific evidence on specific members of Parliament,” said Mr Cheptumo.
The angered legislators defended themselves, saying there was no evidence showing that they were corrupt or have been harassing those expected to appear before committees.
