Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has accused President Ruto of attempting to manipulate the Senate ahead of the impeachment hearings against Kericho Governor Erick Mutai.
In a statement on August 19, the senator claimed that Ruto’s remarks suggesting that Senators are bribed during impeachment proceedings were meant to set the stage for political control.
“By shouting that Senators are bribed during impeachments, he’s not suddenly discovering corruption, he’s laying ground to manipulate perception. We know money has exchanged hands before, but why raise it now, just as the Senate begins hearing the charges against Governor Erick Mutai of Kericho?” he posed.
President Ruto accused of influencing senate over Mutai impeachment. Photo: Courtesy.
Thang’wa went on to note that Ruto was creating a narrative that would allow the State House to claim victory regardless of the outcome of the hearings.
He moreover urged the Head of State to stop undermining independent institutions through what he termed as intimidation.
The remarks came hours after Ruto accused senators of turning oversight proceedings into a marketplace, alleging that governors seeking to defend themselves often had to pay bribes.
He cited cases where senators demanded Ksh150 million during impeachment hearings.
Ruto also revealed that MPs allegedly took Ksh10 million to pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill.
He warned that lawmakers soliciting bribes are undermining Parliament and will face arrest.
