Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has broken his silence and come to the defence of the senators amid allegations of bribery and extortion.

Kingi insisted that such claims cannot be left hanging without specific names and details.

In a communication issued after a Senate leadership meeting on Wednesday, Kingi said the allegations had cast a shadow over the integrity of the institution yet failed to identify any individual senator accused of wrongdoing.

“The leadership of the Senate has noted, with grave concern, the allegations of bribery and extortion made against Parliament in general and the Senate in particular,” he said. However, these allegations have not included material particulars, including the specific Senators against whom the allegations are made.”

He stressed that senators hold “a very high office of responsibility and accountability” under the constitution and are bound to meet the highest standards of integrity as outlined in Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.

While acknowledging that fighting corruption requires a coordinated effort among government institutions, Kingi reminded Kenyans that Parliament has its own internal mechanisms for dealing with errant members.

He cited the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, which empowers the Committee of Powers and Privileges, chaired by the Speaker, to investigate allegations of misconduct and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.

The law, he explained, expressly prohibits legislators from soliciting or accepting gifts, inducements, or any form of compensation in the performance of their duties.

“If I do receive such a complaint, I am obligated, and I will take the necessary action without delay,” Kingi affirmed.

The statement by the speaker was in response to the recent to outbursts by the Head of State regarding alleged corruption in parliament.

On the concerns about the manner in which the Senate has handled impeachment hearings against State officers, Kingi also defended the Senate’s track record, pointing out that its decisions have been consistent with the law and evidence presented.

“The conduct of the Senate in matters of impeachment is a matter of public record. It does not show any consistent pattern of acquittals or confirmation of impeachment charges,” he said.

He said of the 19 impeachment proceedings undertaken since 2014, the Senate has confirmed eight, dismissed nine for lack of substantiated charges, and thrown out two for failing to meet the legal threshold.

“The Senate has conducted the impeachment proceedings in accordance with the Constitution and the laws and has made its determinations on the basis of the evidence and the law,” Kingi added.

He said that, as with bribery allegations, the Senate welcomes credible evidence of inducement or impropriety by any senator during impeachment proceedings so that appropriate action can be taken.

Speaking during the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Ruto claimed some parliamentary committees have been demanding money from the executive, governors, and ministers.

He noted that such practices undermine accountability and public trust.

“I must say the legislature must be held to account. There are instances where money is being demanded from the executive, governors, ministers, and those seeking accountability before our houses of Parliament,” he said.

During the joint parliamentary group meeting with ODM and UDA legislators August 18, Ruto reiterated it.

“There are legitimate concerns about how resources are being spent at the counties, and we cannot run away. By virtue of the position I hold today, I am a consumer of raw intelligence. I know what’s going on,” he said.

The President claimed that some MPs were compromised with millions of shillings to frustrate critical laws.

“Do you, for example, know that a few members of your committee collected Sh10 million shillings so that you don’t pass that law on anti-money laundering? Did you get the money?” he asked.

Ruto also raised questions on how some county officials access large sums of cash.

“Where does somebody find Sh150 million? Is that his money? That is money that belongs to the county,” he noted.