Africa-Press – Kenya. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo on Tuesday launched a spirited response to President William Ruto’s recent accusations that some Members of Parliament are allegedly being bribed to sink crucial bills in the House.
In a dramatic moment, the MP broke into song, reminding the President that accountability is personal.
“As a Christian, Mr. Speaker, I want to remind you of the song on individual responsibility, it goes like this: kila mtu atauchukua mzigo wake mwenyewe na kila mtu atatoa habari zake mwenyewe mbele za Mungu siku hiyo inakuja,” she sang, meaning “everyone will carry their own cross and give their own account before God that day is coming.”
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Odhiambo cautioned the President against undermining legislators, warning that no head of state should take Parliament’s support for granted.
“I want to speak about what I would do if, one day, I am unfortunate enough to become president,” she said.
“It is not a happy occasion to hold that office, but should I be unhappy as the president of this republic? One thing I cannot take for granted, if I acquire such an opportunity, is the support of Parliament. If you are a president, do not take Parliament’s support for granted. If in doubt, ask Honourable Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta.”
On the issue of corruption, Odhiambo argued that the President had focused too much on alleged demands for bribes by MPs while ignoring the “supply ”side”—the public officials and individuals who pay the bribes.
“As a governance expert, please tell us about the supply side. If you are serious about combating the corruption affecting this country, let us consider both the demand and supply aspects,” she said.
Her remarks came just days after President Ruto, during a joint parliamentary group meeting, accused some MPs of extorting public officials.
He cited a governor who allegedly spent Sh150 million to influence senators and an MP who reportedly pocketed Sh10 million to alter an anti-money laundering law.
“Instead of shaming this person, we will arrest them,” Ruto warned at the time, sparking uproar in Parliament.
Some legislators, including Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, have since demanded that the President provide evidence to back up his claims, even suggesting he should be summoned before the Privileges Committee.
Odhiambo’s statement adds to the growing backlash from lawmakers who insist that while corruption remains a challenge in Kenya, the executive must avoid blanket accusations against Parliament and instead pursue comprehensive accountability.
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