• The recess comes after just four weeks of sittings in the Second Part of the Session. MPs will resume on September 23, 2025, with the corruption storm expected to dominate the agenda when the House reconvenes.

The National Assembly has proceeded on a month-long recess after a heated session in which Members of Parliament (MPs) confronted President William Ruto over allegations that Parliament has been turned into a house of extortion.

In a sitting on August 19, 2025 marked by fiery exchanges, MPs from across the political divide demanded that the President names legislators accused of soliciting bribes from the Executive in exchange for favourable committee reports.

The Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wah, successfully moved a motion to alter the House calendar, allowing MPs to adjourn from August 20, 2025 to September 22, 2025.

However, before rising, lawmakers debated a motion of adjournment by Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto, who said the integrity of Parliament was at stake following the President’s remarks.

“The House of Parliament is a temple of democracy. We cannot be reduced to a choir for the Executive. Those making allegations must specify who received bribes and for what purpose,” Wandeto declared.

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MP Otiende Amollo (Rarieda) challenged the Executive to back its claims with evidence.

“To allege that we are given Sh10 million as a bribe is an insult. We cannot be Sh28,000 cheap to pass a bill. Under Standing Order 191, the Powers and Privileges Committee must summon the President or the Secretary to the Cabinet if not the Head of Public Service to clarify these allegations,” he said.

Other MPs echoed similar frustrations. Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess) termed it “embarrassing” for the Head of State to malign Parliament without proof, while Hon. Zamzam Mohammed (Mombasa Woman Rep) warned:

“When the hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats. We have worked hard to hold this country together.”

Several legislators, including Robert Mbui (Kathiani), turned the spotlight on the Executive, accusing it of hypocrisy.

“The Executive must also be audited. Where is the money being dished out in millions every week coming from? This is the pot calling the kettle black,” Mbui argued.

Others urged sobriety. Millie Odhiambo (Suba North) said corruption should be viewed in terms of “demand and supply,” with individual responsibility taken rather than blanket condemnation.

Junet Mohammed (Suna East), the Minority Whip, vowed to defend Parliament, saying: “He who alleges must prove. We will not allow this House to be turned into a punching bag.”

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah called for restraint, urging MPs to protect the dignity of Parliament while discouraging reckless public utterances that “dent the image of the House.”

In his closing remarks, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged MPs to uphold integrity, likening it to the biblical call for Caesar’s wife to be beyond reproach.

“Every small stream has its snake; perhaps Parliament also has its snakes. But integrity is personal, and we must guard the reputation of this House,” he said.

The recess comes after just four weeks of sittings in the Second Part of the Session. MPs will resume on September 23, 2025, with the corruption storm expected to dominate the agenda when the House reconvenes.