Editor's Review

The senator voted in favour of the bill allowing state officials to directly transact business with government.

Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has found himself on the receiving end after voting in favour of an amendment to the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023.  

He was among the trending topics on the Kenyan X on Sunday, July 7.

This was after Kenyans learned that Sifuna was among the 25 senators who okayed the amendment moved in the Upper House by Narok senator Ledama Olekina.

Olekina sought to have state officials allowed to do business with the government directly.

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Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna was among the supporters of the amendment to the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) came out strongly blasting the lawmakers for what it said was suppressing its effort to combat graft.

"The tragic mutilation of the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 by the Senate in changes that will cripple the fight against corruption in Kenya," said the EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak.

The initial contents of the bill barred any public officer from dealing with a state entity in a contractual relationship for the supply of goods, services, or works.

Following the 25 senators' bipartisan approval of the bill in May this year, it was sent to the National Assembly for consensus before President William Ruto's assent.

If enacted, the new law would allow, among others, governors, senators, MPs, Cabinet Secretaries, and parastatal seniors to transact business with the state without the obligation of accountability.

Other senators who voted for the bill include; Kericho's Aaron Cheruiyot, Allan Chesang' (Trans Nzoia), Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru) and Tom Ojienda of Kisumu.

Kenyans took offence at Sifuna given that he has constantly carried himself as a people's political and socia crusader.

See some of the reactions below;