In a decisive move underscoring his administration’s commitment to combating corruption, President William Ruto has rejected the amended Conflict of Interest Bill, urging the National Assembly to reconsider the proposed changes.
Speaking at State House today, Ruto emphasized the necessity of maintaining stringent anti-corruption measures.
“I have made it clear that I will veto any Bill that does not establish a high standard of accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption measures,” President Ruto stated. “Some amendments have been introduced to water down what the original bill envisaged.”
The President’s stance aligns with concerns raised by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission .The commission has criticized the Senate’s amendments, arguing they significantly weaken the bill’s effectiveness.
Former EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak had expressed alarm over the proposed changes, stating, “The commission has noted with concern the proposals made by the Senate to review and amend the Conflict of Interest Bill… The Senate passed the Bill on 16 May 2024, with proposals of substantial amendments.”
One of the contentious amendments includes the removal of the EACC’s mandate to implement the legislation, a move that, according to EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, would “cripple the fight against corruption if allowed to stand.”
The bill, initially introduced to prevent public officers from engaging in activities that present conflicts of interest, has faced opposition from some legislators. Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who proposed several amendments, defended the changes, suggesting that the EACC’s objections were financially motivated.
“They wanted more responsibilities so that they can demand more money from the consolidated fund; you cannot repeal existing laws that fight corruption for you to introduce a new bill that burdens Wanjiku,” Olekina argued.
However, legal experts have criticized the Senate’s alterations. Prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi remarked, “What you did was terrible and is a huge setback in the fight against corruption.”
The bill’s original provisions required public officers, including the President and Deputy President, to disclose their wealth, income, assets, and liabilities within 30 days of appointment and every two years thereafter. These measures aimed to enhance transparency and accountability within public service.
Transparency International Kenya has also voiced concerns over the Senate’s amendments. Executive Director Sheila Masinde stated that by removing sanctions defining conflict of interest and stripping the EACC of its implementing authority, the Senate has “severely weakened the Conflict of Interest Bill, compromising the fight against corruption.”
