President William Ruto has rejected a controversial bill that sought to permit government employees and their families to conduct business with the state, declaring that the proposed law undermines the fight against corruption.
The President announced his decision during the swearing-in ceremony of new Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries at State House, where he emphasized the need for stricter integrity measures in public service.
“This morning, I have referred back to Parliament the Conflict-of-Interest Bill,” Ruto stated. “We need a law that helps us manage and ultimately eliminate corruption, which often arises from public officials serving their own interests rather than the public’s.”The bill, which had been advanced by the Senate, sparked widespread criticism for diluting a key anti-graft law that previously barred state officers and their relatives from engaging in business dealings with the government.
Ruto urged the National Assembly and Senate to collaborate in crafting legislation that strengthens accountability and closes loopholes for graft. His move comes months after he accused Parliament of sabotaging anti-corruption efforts by delaying crucial reforms.
“We must have stronger safeguards to ensure integrity and accountability in our institutions,” the President asserted.The decision has been welcomed by anti-corruption advocates, who had warned that the bill would legalize conflicts of interest and erode public trust. Observers now await Parliament’s next steps as pressure mounts for a tougher law to curb graft in government dealings.
