Kenya, Aug. 20 -- Rarieda MP Otiende Omollo summoned President William Ruto to Parliament to disclose details of alleged bribery, claiming only the head of state could have orchestrated payoffs to lawmakers amid escalating accusations of corruption and extortion.
In a bold statement released on August 18, 2025, Omollo shifted blame back to Ruto, urging a parliamentary inquiry to reveal who gave the bribe and who received it. He added that money exchanged hands during the Finance Bill 2024, Gachagua impeachment, money laundering bills, among others.
This Otiende Omollo summon President call comes amid a heated exchange following Ruto's remarks at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay on August 13, where he accused MPs of soliciting bribes from state officials in exchange for favourable oversight.
Omollo's demand stems from Ruto's public criticism of parliamentary committees, which the President labelled as extortion rings demanding kickbacks for tender approvals and project endorsements.
The MP, a vocal critic of government overreach, argued that such allegations warrant transparency from the top, insisting that summoning Ruto would clarify the sources of corruption plaguing Kenya's legislative processes.
"The President should be summoned to Parliament to reveal who gave the bribe and who received it," Omollo stated, emphasising that only someone with executive influence like Ruto could facilitate widespread payoffs.
This escalation highlights deepening rifts between the executive and legislature, with Omollo representing a broad-based opposition pushing for accountability in a nation grappling with systemic graft.
The controversy erupted during Ruto's address at the devolution event, where he accused MPs of summoning state officers under the guise of oversight only after receiving bribes, likening committees to "extortion gangs."
In response, Omollo and other MPs have turned the tables, demanding evidence and suggesting the President's office may be complicit in such schemes.
Sources within Parliament indicate that Omollo's call could lead to a formal motion, potentially compelling Ruto to appear before a committee, a rare move last seen during investigations into major scandals like the Anglo-Leasing affair.
Legal experts note that while the President enjoys certain immunities, parliamentary summons for testimony on public matters could be enforceable under Article 125 of the Constitution.
Social media reactions on X have been swift, with hashtags like #SummonRuto trending as users debate the feasibility of hauling the President before MPs. One post from @KarungoThangwaread, "Otiende Omollo summon President is spot on, transparency starts at the top!" while critics accused Omollo of political grandstanding amid opposition infighting.
The MP, known for his legal background and previous roles in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has long advocated for anti-corruption reforms, including during his time on the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
This isn't the first clash between Omollo and the executive. In June 2025, he criticised Ruto's administration for misappropriation of devolution funds, calling for the elimination of leakages in county allocations.
Analysts suggest Omollo's latest salvo is part of a broader opposition strategy to pressure the government ahead of the 2027 elections, leveraging public disillusionment with graft scandals.
The President's office has yet to respond directly, but sources indicate a potential rebuttal emphasising ongoing anti-corruption drives like digitising government services to curb bribery.
Parliamentary leaders, including Speaker Moses Wetangula, have remained neutral, but insiders hint at internal discussions on whether to table Omollo's proposal.
If pursued, it could set a precedent for executive accountability, potentially involving the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for investigations.
Civil society groups like Transparency International Kenya have welcomed the call, urging MPs to follow through to restore public trust in institutions.
The Otiende Omollo summon the President's demand has also drawn international attention, with regional observers noting its implications for Kenya's democratic governance. As debates rage, the MP's stance reinforces his image as a principled legislator unafraid to challenge power, a trait evident in his past critiques of judicial overreach and electoral reforms.
Amid rising tensions, the Otiende Omollo summon President initiative could galvanise opposition forces, pushing for reforms in parliamentary oversight to prevent abuse.
With corruption scandals costing Kenya billions annually, such accountability measures are seen as vital for economic stability.
In conclusion, Otiende Omollo's summoning of the President over bribery revelations shows the urgent need for clarity in Kenya's fight against corruption. Whether Ruto complies or contests, this development highlights the legislature's role in checking executive power, potentially reshaping political accountability in the nation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.