Wetang’ula Issues Strong Warning to MPs Over Alleged Extortion of State Officials
Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, has called upon Members of Parliament (MPs) to cease mistreating government officials during committee hearings.
Wetang’ula stated that his office has received numerous complaints from government departments and agencies, expressing dissatisfaction with their treatment by certain committees.
“There are only a few committees, about four, where government departments consistently complain to the Speaker’s office about their handling,” Wetang’ula explained.
He urged the MPs to perform their duties with integrity and impartiality, warning against engaging in corrupt practices within committees.
While Wetang’ula did not name the specific committees involved, he acknowledged past allegations of extortion, where witnesses were pressured for bribes to secure favorable reports.
He directed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to ensure that such complaints are reported, enabling the House to take disciplinary action against the responsible MPs.
“Majority Leader, ensure integrity is upheld, and don’t ignore these complaints. We have mechanisms to address misconduct, including referring matters to the powers and privileges committee,” Wetang’ula emphasized.
He affirmed his commitment to protecting MPs who conduct themselves according to the law and public expectations, but stated he would not shield those engaging in improper conduct.
Historically, parliamentary committees have faced accusations of corruption, involving cases like the contaminated sugar report, the Ruaraka land saga, and the Building Bridges Initiative report.
Committees previously led by Ababu Namwamba and Mutava Musyimi were dissolved due to corruption allegations.
In 2018, a joint committee investigating sugar imports faced bribery claims.
Also in 2018, four senators were accused of soliciting a large bribe from Francis Mburu to produce a favorable report on the Ruaraka land investigation.
Recently, during the impeachment proceedings against former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, bribery allegations surfaced, with Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo calling for an investigation.
“As an MP and lawyer, I have received disclosures about impropriety by some committee members,” Amollo stated, urging the Speaker to suspend the report’s consideration.
In Other News: Macadamia Farmer Crisis: Export Ban Leaves Nuts to Rot
Wetang’ula Issues Strong Warning to MPs Over Alleged Extortion of State Officials
