Kaluma: Politicians taking media interviews and denying corruption are real extortionists
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has launched a blistering attack on fellow politicians who have been publicly dismissing claims of corruption within Parliament.
His remarks come after President William Ruto’s recent accusations that Members of Parliament are engaged in corrupt dealings.
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In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Kaluma argued that the leaders taking to media platforms, public meetings, and even church pulpits to downplay the extent of corruption are themselves the culprits.
He described them as extortionists and rent-seekers who exploit their positions for personal gain, adding that they are the very individuals President William Ruto recently accused of engaging in corrupt practices.
His remarks come in the wake of heightened debate triggered by the President’s assertion that Members of Parliament are deeply entrenched in corruption.
“Kenyans, the politicians you have seen this week in the media, in meetings and in churches, deny that corruption is rife in Parliament are the corrupt extortionists and rent-seekers President @WilliamsRuto spoke about,” Kaluma stated.
This comes days after he also expressed his willingness to openly discuss the issue of corruption in Parliament with the media. On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, he also took to X to insist that rent-seeking is rampant among MPs and must be confronted decisively.
“Rent-seeking is rife in the current Parliament, and we need to deal with it firmly if the fight against corruption is to succeed. Looking forward to the day the Media will call me for a debate on the topic ‘corruption within Parliament’,” Kaluma said.
Kaluma positioned himself as ready to face the media and debate the matter publicly. He argued that the only way to succeed in the war against graft is to confront corrupt practices head-on.
Corrupt MPs
President Ruto opened the debate while speaking at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. He accused oversight committees in Parliament of abandoning their constitutional roles and instead demanding bribes from government officials.
“Something is happening in Parliament that must be called out. There is money being demanded from governors, the executive, and those responsible for accountability,” the President said.
The Head of State also criticised the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for failing to take firm action against those implicated in graft. He further faulted the Judiciary for issuing anticipatory bail to suspects, saying the practice allows corrupt individuals to evade prosecution.
Ruto stressed that corruption threatens his administration’s transformation agenda and called on all arms of government to protect public resources. He pointed to legal reforms, including the recent signing of the Conflict of Interest Bill, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability.
The President’s claims have sparked reactions from both Houses of Parliament. Senators led by Public Accounts Committee Chair Moses Kajwang’ said Ruto must be summoned to explain his allegations. They cited Article 125 of the Constitution, which allows Parliament to compel anyone, including the President, to appear before a committee.
In the National Assembly, MPs protested by paralysing committee business. Lawmakers walked out of their chambers and locked committee rooms in anger over being labelled as corrupt. Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto urged Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to defend the integrity of Parliament, warning that members were being unfairly profiled.
“Now, even when MPs are doing their duties, Kenyans are suspicious. The Speaker must protect the dignity of this House,” Wandeto said.
Other leaders, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, insisted that allegations against a few members should not taint the entire Parliament.
“If there are corrupt individuals, they should be dealt with. But the burden of proof lies with those making the claims, not with the accused,” Junet said.
