GACHAGUA EXPLAINS WHY MPS ARE TAKING BRIBES

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Members of Parliament and Senators of resorting to bribery after President William Ruto allegedly stopped giving them financial handouts.
Speaking in a media interview on Tuesday, August 26, Gachagua claimed lawmakers who were previously receiving up to Ksh 10 million from the President are now extorting money from Cabinet Secretaries and Governors when they appear before parliamentary committees.
“All these fights you see between the Executive and Parliament are about corruption. William Ruto elevated the appetite of MPs and Senators by giving them money. Now they want it every day, and since it no longer comes, they are looking for it from CSs and PSs,” Gachagua said.
He further argued that President Ruto cannot credibly condemn corruption in Parliament, saying he is the one who “pioneered” the practice.
“William Ruto, you started it all. Don’t complain. This is your baby. You told MPs that every man and woman has a price,” he added.
Gachagua also noted that MPs allied to the President, particularly from the Mount Kenya region, are under pressure to dish out money to constituents, worsening their dependence on illicit funds.
The remarks come days after President Ruto expressed frustration over reports that lawmakers were demanding bribes from Cabinet Secretaries and Governors during committee sessions.