President William Ruto has announced that he has referred the controversial Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023, back to Parliament.
Speaking on Thursday April 17 during the swearing in of new cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries at State House Nairobi, the President said the Senate and National Assembly should make sure they create a legislation that will help manage corruption in the country.
Ruto pointed out that many graft cases come as a result of the conflict of interest among public officials.
“This morning, I have just referred back to Parliament the Conflict-of-Interest Bill,” said Ruto.
He added, “ I expect both houses of parliament to exercise leadership in making sure that we get a piece of law that will help us manage and eliminate eventually matters corruption that in many cases come as a result of the conflict of interest of public officials who serve not the public but their interests.”
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In September 2024, President Ruto vowed to veto any amendments by Parliament that seeks to water down the Conflict-of-Interest Bill (2023).
“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,” Ruto said then.
The initial Conflict of Interest Bill sought to manage conflicts arising in the discharge of official duties. It prohibits public officers from engaging in activities that conflict with public interest, imposes obligations to declare potential conflicts, and creates penalties for violations.
However, parliament made amendments to the bill giving MPs, governors, Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, and parastatals heads a free pass to seek government tenders.
Members of Parliament will now need a two-thirds majority to overturn President Ruto’s veto on the bill.
