Kaluma Backs Ruto’s Call to Tackle Corruption in Parliament

 Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma/PHOTO: COURTESY

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has backed President William Ruto’s remarks that the fight against corruption must begin in Parliament, saying legislators should not deny the existence of graft within the institution.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Kaluma challenged his colleagues to acknowledge the problem instead of deflecting.

“Fellow MPs, why deny there is corruption in Parliament when we all know corruption pervades every inch of our society, including Parliament?” he posed.

He argued that as the arm of government responsible for making the national budget and overseeing its implementation, Parliament must lead by example in ensuring accountability.

“How do you propose we fight corruption if you don’t want us to start from Parliament, which is the institution that budgets and oversights budget implementation?” he said.

The legislator endorsed Ruto’s position that corruption should be confronted at the heart of public spending, warning that Parliament’s role in allocating funds makes it particularly vulnerable.

“President Ruto is right that the fight against corruption, to succeed, must start from Parliament. Let’s introspect, reflect and act right,” Kaluma wrote.

President Ruto addressing ODM-Kenya Kwanza MPS on August 18th

He further urged lawmakers to tighten budget oversight and avoid unnecessary allocations that create loopholes for embezzlement, describing it as “budgeted corruption.”

Kaluma’s remarks come days after Ruto stirred debate by accusing Parliament of shielding corrupt practices, a statement that has drawn mixed reactions from legislators.

However, Former Chief Justice David Maraga launched a scathing attack on Ruto, arguing that the Head of State has no moral authority to lecture Parliament on corruption while his own administration faces massive graft scandals.

“If the President can publicly point fingers at Parliament, then he must also open himself to the same scrutiny. Kenyans will not accept a one-sided anti-corruption gospel that spares the pulpit while condemning the pews,” Maraga said.

He further dismissed Ruto remarks made on Monday at a joint UDA–ODM parliamentary group (PG) meeting as dramatic.