- Senator Edwin Sifuna criticized MPs for accepting handouts as low as Ksh. 100,000 from the President.
- He claimed he could personally loan the amount to President Ruto.
- Sifuna accused some ODM MPs of prioritizing personal gains over public service.
- He alleged these MPs received TSC recruitment letters as favors from the President.
- The senator called for reforms to ensure fair employment opportunities based on merit.
On January 15, Senator Edwin Sifuna, who doubles as the Secretary-General of ODM, swiped at Members of Parliament (MPs) who he claims accept minor handouts from President William Ruto. Sifuna’s remarks highlight concerns over the integrity of Kenya’s public service and employment systems.
Sifuna criticized MPs for compromising their positions as national leaders in exchange for small favors. He dismissed the handouts, reportedly as low as Ksh. 100,000, as insignificant, and claimed he could personally loan the amount to the President.
The senator also accused some ODM MPs of aligning themselves with the President for personal benefits, including receiving Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recruitment letters. Sifuna described these actions as undermining public trust and focusing on personal gain rather than addressing the country’s pressing issues.
In his address, Sifuna called for a merit-based employment system, expressing disapproval of job opportunities being distributed through political connections. He appealed to young job seekers to remain patient, assuring them of impending reforms to create a fairer system:
“Some young people have waited for jobs for eight years. I am sure they can wait two more years while we build a country where knowing someone is not a requirement to access employment opportunities,” Sifuna stated.
Senator Sifuna’s comments underline the need for ethical leadership and a transparent employment system in Kenya. His criticism of MPs and call for reforms emphasize the urgency of prioritizing public service over personal interests, paving the way for a fairer society.
