Ruto Rejects Conflict of Interest Bill

President William Ruto has announced that he has rejected the Conflict of Interest Bill and referred it back to Parliament for reconsideration.

Ruto announced on Thursday, April 17, during the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries at State House, Nairobi.

The Bill, initially passed by the National Assembly, sought to introduce stricter measures to curb graft and conflicts of interest within the public service.

While referring the Bill back to Parliament with a memorandum for reconsideration, the Head of State emphasized the need for both Houses to craft legislation that effectively addresses corruption stemming from conflicts of interest involving state officers.

He made it clear that he would veto any version of the Bill that failed to set a high standard for accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption measures. 

“You (newly sworn-in CSs and PSs) have been called to serve not for personal gain but to contribute to a team working to consolidate our progress and accelerate the implementation of a bold transformation agenda. This mission demands diligence, professionalism, accountability, and tireless dedication, “said Ruto. 

“I say that in the context that this morning, I have just referred back to Parliament the Conflict of Interest Bill. I expect to exercise leadership in making sure that we get a piece of law that will help us manage and eliminate, eventually, matters corruption that in many cases come as a result of conflict of interest for public officials who serve not the public but their interests.”

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Ruto Criticizes MPs Over Conflict-of-Interest Bill Delay

While the Bill as presented largely addresses the subject of conflict of interest, the President noted the need for further improvements to strengthen its provisions on transparency and enforcement to align it with the constitutional values of integrity and good governance.

Last year, President Ruto criticized lawmakers for delaying the passage of the Conflict of Interest Bill, accusing them of stalling efforts to combat corruption.

Speaking in November during his State of the Nation address in Parliament, the Head of State underscored the urgency of enacting the Bill, describing it as a vital tool in the fight against graft.

“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.”

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Delays

The delay in the Conflict of Interest Bill was rooted in a standoff between the National Assembly and the Senate in which the former rejected Senate amendments, accusing the latter of diluting critical provisions in the legislation.

MPs argued that the Senate’s changes, including removing the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as the administrator and perceived weakening conflict-of-interest provisions, would undermine the Bill’s effectiveness.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah described the amendments by the upper house as “fertile ground for corruption” and stressed the National Assembly’s responsibility to protect the public’s interests.

Vice Chair of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Muenge Mutuse, on his part said that allowing public officials to transact with offices they oversee has been a significant driver of corruption.

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