Members of Parliament have voiced sharp discontent with President William Ruto’s recent remarks suggesting legislators were tainted by corruption.
They said the accusations have exposed them to ridicule, family suspicion, and loss of credibility among their constituents.
Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, speaking on the floor of the House Tuesday, said MPs had sacrificed heavily to support the government and did not deserve to be branded corrupt.
“I want to say that this House is standing for all of us. When we are attacked, the Speaker is also on the line of attack," said Njoroge.
He lamented: "We have given our sweat and blood to make this government what it is. We have lost properties, reputations, and credibility in our constituencies.
Business partners now look at us as if we carry corruption into their offices." He added that the President’s statement had caused domestic embarrassment.
"When I went home last night, my wife wanted to check my pockets to see if I had illegal money. Whoever said we are corrupt should go to our homes and tell our wives, children, and business partners that it was an erroneous statement,” he protested.
Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga echoed the concerns, saying families were now questioning MPs’ integrity.
“Mimi nimetoka nyumbani na kitu ya kwanza bibi ananiuliza, huu umaskini tuko nayo ya nini ilhali nyinyi mnabeba mabilioni? Ananiuliza uko na bibi mwingine ama hii pesa unaweka wapi?” Chonga told the House.
He added that the corruption claims had stripped legislators of dignity. He said it was unfair that MPs, who have consistently defended the Kenya Kwanza government, were now being humiliated.
"Mheshimiwa Spika, mimi unataka niendelee kuitetea serikali ambayo inanidhulumu? Hilo ni jambo la kudhalilisha. Tunaomba rais atuombe msamaha,” Chonga declared.
Their remarks came just days after President Ruto, during a joint parliamentary group meeting, accused some MPs of extorting public officials.
He cited a governor who allegedly spent Sh150 million to influence senators and an MP who reportedly pocketed Sh10 million to alter an anti-money laundering law.
“Instead of shaming this person, we will arrest them,” Ruto warned at the time, sparking uproar in Parliament.
Some legislators, including Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, have since demanded that the President provide evidence to back up his claims, even suggesting he should be summoned before the Privileges Committee.
The MPs now want the President to withdraw the remarks and issue a public apology.
