Raila backs Ruto on fight against graft in Parliament
By Aloys Michael, August 14, 2025Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called out Members of Parliament for engaging in corrupt practices.
Speaking on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the devolution conference in Homa Bay County, Raila called out parliamentary committees for summoning leaders after influencing tender awards, only to later cancel the projects under questionable circumstances.
“They are only doing that because they have been funded by a contractor who lost a contract. When there is a tender, there must be a winner. Once the tender has been awarded, the contractors who lost will look for the MP or the MCA, or the contractor who was corruptly awarded,” Raila stated.
“The MPs will then summon the minister or the PS to appear before the committee to investigate it. They make a lot of noise and have been paid by the losing contractor. The contract was not properly awarded or was cancelled, and the financial year is short.”
The ODM leader said that Parliament should be on board to avoid the corruption bane.
“By the time they award the contract in September, if someone suspends it, it will be the New Year; the whole financial year will be wasted, and no money will be spent. Parliament is also impeding the implementation of government projects by being corrupt,” he claimed.
Ruto declares war on corruption
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Head of State called for stronger measures against corruption in Parliament, emphasising the need for accountability across all government institutions.
Speaking during the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Ruto said that some parliamentary committees have been demanding money from the executive, governors, and ministers.
He noted that such practices undermine accountability and public trust.
“I must say the legislature must be held to account. There are instances where money is being demanded from the executive, governors, ministers, and those seeking accountability before our houses of Parliament,” the President said.
Ruto urged National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to take decisive action to address the issue.
“Mr Speaker, it cannot continue as business as usual. Committees of Parliament should not demand payments for report writing or overlook matters within county or national government,” he said.