MPs call special meeting over concerns about their integrity

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 meet Thursday at 12:30pm 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 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.

“If you are a leader in this house and you cast aspersions on talk shows without any evidence, then you should know that it is unconstitutional, illegal and politically immoral. We do not expect wholesale condemnation,” said Mr Kabando wa Kabando (Mukurweini, TNA).

The issue was threatening to boil over when Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso stood to take it under her control. She asked members to raise the matter formally on the order paper.

“This is a matter that you really feel strongly. This has come when we have substantial business paper. You can have it in the order paper so you can discuss it,” Ms Laboso said.

The MPs were however not satisfied and continued shouting in protest.

Mr Duale defended himself, passing the blame to Mr Midiwo, who was not in the House then.

“I would have to go on record. The leader who cast aspersions is the Deputy Leader of Minority, Jakoyo Midiwo. I took 10 minutes to defend the Transport community that went to China. I spent 15 minutes to defend committee chairpersons. You can bring a substantive motion against Jakoyo not me,” said Mr Duale.

Mr Midiwo said he was ready to face his accusers, saying the matter had already been raised by Speaker Justin Muturi.

Finally, Ms Laboso ruled that the matter be solved in a special kamukunji to be held after the morning session Thursday to thrash out the concerns raised by members.