National Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has responded to claims that some Members of Parliament (MPs) received bribes to support the Finance Bill 2024.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 23, Wetang’ula informed the House that his office is in receipt of correspondence dated 24th and 25th June 2024, from various MPs regarding allegations of bribery of members during the voting on the National Assembly Bill No. 30 of 2024 (Finance Bill).
He stated that the MPs include Joseph Munyoro, Josses Kosgey Lelmengit, Jane Kagiri, Kanyuithia Mutunga, and Didmus Wekesa Barasa.
The Speaker explained that Barasa had also raised the matter on the floor of the House on Wednesday, 25th June 2024.
“In their complaint, the Members allege that on Sunday, 23rd June 2024, Juja MP George Koimburi was quoted across various media outlets claiming that Members of this Honourable House who voted in support of the Second Reading of the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 30 of 2024) were bribed with Ksh2 million each to do so,” the Speaker said.
Wetang’ula said the affected Members sought his guidance on how to address the matter.
According to the MPs, the assertions attributed to Koimburi, if left unsubstantiated, continue to bring shame and odium to MPs and paint the entire House in a bad light.
He recalled that when the matter was raised on the floor of the House, he undertook to give a considered ruling at the next sitting of the House, which was on Tuesday, July 23.
Apology Letter
He also informed the House that he received a letter dated 22nd July 2024 from Koimburi titled “Apology Letter”.
The letter read: “I, George Koimburi Ndung’u of ID No: elected MP for Juja constituency, would like to tender my apology to the house leadership and my colleague members of parliament. I understand we are living in very dynamic and sensitive times and my utterances in the past may have caused some problems in the country. I am remorseful and humbly seek forgiveness. As an ambassador of peace, I pray that peace prevails in our country. God bless Kenya.”
The Speaker said he called Koimburi to ascertain his authorship of the letter at the rise of the House Business Committee on July 23.
“Koimburi did confirm authorship of the letter and further denied any claims that he has dissociated himself from its contents. The MP further indicated that he is currently away in Mombasa and unavailable to attend the sittings of the House until Tuesday, 30th July 2024,” Wetang’ula said.
He explained that any allegation of corrupt practice, bribery, or attempted bribery is a stain on the privilege of the institution of Parliament and deserves expeditious investigation and resolution.
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According to Wetang’ula, the practice and precedents applicable to the House require that any issue touching on the privilege of the House should be dispensed as a matter of priority.
“I fully appreciate the pain and discomfort that the pendency of Koimburi’s allegations continues to cause the affected Members,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker said he has invited Koimburi to appear before the House on 30th July 2024 to provide a detailed explanation.
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During the session, the MP will also explain the contents of the letter before the speaker gives the next course of action.
“I have reluctantly allowed Koimburi to avail himself to the House by 2:45 pm on Tuesday, 30th July 2024, to explain his actions with regard to the complaint raised by the affected Members and the context of his “Apology” letter in the manner contemplated by the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, and the Standing Orders. Thereafter, I shall guide the House on any subsequent actions to be taken in the matter,” he said.
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