Oscar Sudi: Ruto’s bribery claims against MPs are true
By William Muthama, August 19, 2025Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has come out strongly in defence of President William Ruto’s recent claims that some Members of Parliament have solicited bribes to influence legislation, affirming that the claims are largely accurate.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, through his X account, Sudi acknowledged that while not all lawmakers are implicated, corruption remains a serious concern in both the National Assembly and Senate.
“The statements by the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga about MPs’ bribery claims are true, but not all MPs are involved. Even in the Senate, it’s a minority,” Sudi said.
He stressed that graft is not limited to MPs, pointing to governors, parastatal directors, and principal secretaries as other actors in the chain of corruption.
“MPs who have engaged in corruption are like egg thieves, but what about governors, parastatal MDs and DGs, and some Principal Secretaries? What fate awaits these chicken thieves?” he asked, highlighting the need for broader accountability across all levels of government.
Sudi’s remarks follow President Ruto’s disclosure during a joint parliamentary group meeting, where he cited a governor allegedly spending Sh150 million to influence senators and an MP reportedly pocketing Sh10 million to alter an anti-money laundering law.
The President warned that “instead of shaming this person, we will arrest them,” prompting uproar among legislators.
Many MPs and senators, including Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, have demanded that the President present evidence to substantiate his claims and suggested he be summoned before the Privileges Committee.
The backlash reflects a broader concern that while corruption is a serious issue, the executive must avoid blanket accusations that undermine the credibility of Parliament.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also weighed in, cautioning that accountability is personal and warning the President against taking Parliament’s support for granted.
“Everyone will carry their own cross and give their own account before God that day is coming,” she said, urging consideration of both the “demand” and “supply” sides of corruption.
Sudi, however, stood firm, insisting that President Ruto’s allegations are largely accurate and that acknowledging the problem is the first step toward tackling graft in Kenya.