Nairobi

At a time when anti-corruption rhetoric grows ever more heated, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga while urging a sharper focus on graft beyond the halls of Parliament.

“This is true,” Mr Sudi said, referencing the leaders’ criticism of bribery among MPs. “But not all MPs are involved. Even in the Senate, it’s a minority.”

He then widened the lens, drawing a sharp contrast. “MPs who have engaged in corruption are like egg thieves,” he said. “But what about governors, parastatal MDs and DGs, and some Principal Secretaries? What fate awaits these chicken thieves?”

His remarks arrived just one day after both Ruto and Raila accused lawmakers of watering down legislation in exchange for vast sums. Ruto likened parliamentary committees to marketplaces, alleging that some members demanded up to KSh 10 million to stall anti-money-laundering legislation.

Raila drew a distinction between acceptable lobbying and what he described as outright extortion, warning that such practices tarnish Parliament's image and frighten away investors

In response, Parliament’s Senate demanded that the President present tangible evidence. Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ invoked Article 125 of the Constitution, which grants legislature the power to summon anyone, challenging Ruto to follow through.

Meanwhile, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed it is pursuing investigations into implicated MPs, warning that no one is immune if wrongdoing is established.