National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Members of Parliament to safeguard the integrity of the House amid growing allegations of bribery and unethical conduct.

Speaking during the opening of the 3rd Leadership Retreat of the 13th Parliament in Mombasa, Wetang’ula warned that recent claims of legislators soliciting inducements to influence legislation have cast doubt on Parliament’s credibility.

“I treat this allegation as rumours, but as an institution we cannot afford to ignore the growing perception that corruption is infiltrating the law-making process,” he said.

The Speaker reminded MPs that leadership is a sacred trust anchored in Article 73 of the Constitution, which requires leaders to act with selflessness, accountability, and respect for the people of Kenya.

He cautioned that without integrity, leadership loses credibility and impact.

President Ruto had last week vowed a crackdown on MPs and Senators accused of soliciting and receiving bribes in exchange for legislative favors—comments that triggered tension between the executive and the legislature.

Speaker Wetangu'la also cited the newly enacted Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, which tightens ethical standards for state officers, including MPs.

The law bars legislators from granting undue favour, engaging in contracts with the Parliamentary Service Commission, or holding interests in entities that do business with Parliament.

It also introduces stricter wealth declaration requirements under EACC oversight.

“I direct the Clerk to urgently apprise Members of the new modalities of submission of the initial declarations to ensure compliance within the prescribed timelines,” Wetang’ula said.

Beyond corruption concerns, the Speaker criticized absenteeism, saying repeated quorum hitches had stalled House proceedings.

He urged MPs and committee chairpersons to prioritize parliamentary work over constituency engagements, warning that lax attendance undermines the Assembly’s mandate.

Wetang’ula expressed hope that the retreat would produce concrete resolutions to strengthen integrity, improve compliance with the law, and restore public confidence in Parliament.

The retreat, now in its third edition under the 13th Parliament, provides an opportunity for MPs to review their performance, foster unity in leadership and set strategies for improved efficiency in delivering on the House’s mandate.