Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Defence CS Soipan Tuya, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, President William Ruto and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina during an Easter Sunday Service at Ntulele, Narok county on April 20, 2025/PCS
President William Ruto has directed the Parliament to
“carefully” consider the Conflict-of-Interest Bill 2025.
Speaking on Sunday during an Easter Sunday service at
Ntulele, Narok County, Ruto said the bill will involve all leaders, from the
President to the MCAs.
He noted that the bill will ensure that all political leaders are
accountable to Kenyans.
“I want to ask the Parliament—both the National
Assembly and the Senate – to carefully consider the memorandum I have sent to
them on making sure that we stop conflicts of interest that undermines the
delivery and provision of public service in the Republic of Kenya,” he
said.
He requested religious leaders to pray for the government so
they can deliver their manifesto in accordance with God’s guidelines and the
constitution of Kenya.
On Thursday, Ruto announced that he had referred the
Conflict of Interest bill back to parliament for further review.
Speaking during the swearing-in of new cabinet secretaries
and principal secretaries at the State House, Ruto expressed his expectations
that both the National Assembly and Senate will work in collaboration to
produce a law that would effectively address and eliminate corruption.
“I have just referred back to Parliament the
Conflict-of-Interest Bill. We get a piece of law that helps us manage and
eliminate, eventually, matters of corruption that in many cases come as a
result of the conflict of interest of public officials who serve not the public
but their own interests,” Ruto said.
He emphasised the need for stronger safeguards to promote
integrity and accountability within state agencies and public services.
The decision to refer the bill back comes months after he
slammed Parliament for derailing the fight against corruption by
”sabotaging” the passage of a proposed law to address conflict of
interest.
“I implore you, Honourable Members, that you must stop
dragging your feet and stop sabotaging the passage of the Conflict of Interest
Bill,” Ruto said while addressing the Parliament on the State of the Nation.
He vowed to turn down the bill if it failed to establish a
high standard of accountability, integrity and anti-corruption measures.
The bill seeks to prevent public officials from using their
position to influence the decision of other public officers so as to further
their private interests or the interests of another person.
It also seeks to impose stringent sanctions against
government officials found culpable of engaging in government business to amass
ill-gotten wealth.
The piece of legislation includes several critical clauses
that public officials must adhere to, ensuring a clear separation between their
official duties and private interests.