Ruto refers Conflict of interest bill back to Parliament

President William Ruto/ STATEHOUSE SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto has announced that he has 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 on Thursday, 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 say that in the context that this morning, 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.

“I have engaged with parliamentary leadership, and I urge parliament to swiftly pass the conflict of interest bill,” Ruto directed.

“I am told that there is a mediation process going on in parliament, but I have told them with clarity that I will veto any bill that doesn’t establish a high standard of accountability and integrity."

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.