Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, Defence CS Soipan Tuya, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, President William Ruto and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina during an Easter Sunday Service at Ntulele, Narok county on April 20, 2025/PCSPresident William Ruto has directed the Parliament to "carefully" consider the Conflict-of-Interest Bill 2025.
Speaking on Sunday during an Easter Sunday service at Ntulele, Narok County, Ruto said the bill will involve all leaders, from the President to the MCAs.
He noted that the bill will ensure that all political leaders are accountable to Kenyans.
"I want to ask the Parliament—both the National Assembly and the Senate - to carefully consider the memorandum I have sent to them on making sure that we stop conflicts of interest that undermines the delivery and provision of public service in the Republic of Kenya," he said.
He requested religious leaders to pray for the government so they can deliver their manifesto in accordance with God's guidelines and the constitution of Kenya.
On Thursday, Ruto announced that he had 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, 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 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.
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.
