Ruto returns Conflict of Interest Bill to Parliament, urges tougher measures on corrupt state officials
He said he expects that both the National Assembly and the Senate should help get a law that will eliminate corruption that comes as a result of the conflict of interest.
President William Ruto has returned the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 to Parliament, asking lawmakers to craft a law that will effectively address corruption linked to personal interests among public officials.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, the President urged the National Assembly and the Senate to show leadership in passing legislation that deals firmly with the issue.
More To Read
- Economist Fred Ogolla slams Ruto's economics, calls broad-based govt political gimmick
- President Ruto assents to bill removing excise duty on imported transformers
- Mudavadi denies Kenya’s involvement with Sudan’s RSF, calls allegations politically driven
- Ruto warns politicians: Keep learners out of politics, focus on nurturing talent
“Both Houses need to exercise leadership in making sure to get a law that will manage and eliminate corruption that comes as a result of conflict of interest of public officials who serve for their own interest,” Ruto said.
MPs will now require a two-thirds majority to overturn the President’s veto on the Bill, which aims to bar public officers from engaging in activities that clash with their official responsibilities.
The Bill also introduces strict requirements to declare potential conflicts and sets penalties for violations.
The President had earlier pledged to reject the Bill due to amendments that, in his view, weakened the powers of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and undermined the fight against corruption.
Parliamentary changes to the Bill had granted Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, governors, MPs and heads of state corporations leeway to do business with public entities.
These changes also softened requirements to regularly declare wealth, including that of spouses and close relatives, a move meant to tackle unexplained accumulation of wealth.
The President has been vocal about the Bill since last year.
On November 21, 2024, during his State of the Nation address, he faulted MPs for holding back the Bill.
“It is unacceptable for the Houses of Parliament to deny the nation a much-needed instrument in the war on corruption by continuing to sabotage the passage of the Conflict of Interest Bill,” Ruto said.
“I implore you to stop dragging your feet on this bill unless, my friends, there is a conflict of interest in the passing of the conflict of interest legislation.”
Ruto had also spoken in March during a handover of recovered assets by the EACC, stating that he had already discussed with parliamentary leaders the need to pass the Bill for his assent.
The proposed law aimed to create a clear divide between public duty and private gain. It seeks to restore public confidence in government institutions, curb favoritism, and close loopholes that public officers have used to enrich themselves.
When the Bill was introduced, it faced strong opposition, particularly in the Senate.
On May 16, 2024, senators came together in rare unity to pass amendments that critics say watered down the original intent.
Top Stories Today
