The provision that was removed from the Bill was aimed at ensuring that members of Parliament and MCAs were required to declare any direct financial interest or benefit during debates or proceedings in the relevant House of Parliament or county assembly. This was a crucial step in promoting transparency and accountability among the lawmakers, as it would have prevented any potential conflicts of interest from influencing their decisions. The provision was also in line with the Constitution and other relevant written laws, emphasizing the importance of adhering to ethical standards in public office.
The Bill, which was initially proposed by the Cabinet, underwent a series of considerations and amendments before being sent to the Senate. Speaker Amason Kingi played a pivotal role in sending the amended Bill back to the National Assembly through his counterpart Moses Wetangula, signaling the importance of thorough deliberation and review of the proposed legislation. The process highlighted the significance of checks and balances within the legislative framework, ensuring that all aspects of the Bill were carefully examined before reaching a final decision.
The proposed changes in the Bill have sparked controversy, particularly with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) expressing strong opposition to the amendments. The EACC raised concerns about the potential dilution of its powers and the adverse impact on the fight against corruption. The removal of the offence of conflict of interest was particularly contentious, as it could potentially undermine efforts to address corruption scandals and hold state officials accountable. Additionally, calls for lifestyle audits on public officers and demands for accountability from President Ruto underscored the public’s growing concerns about corruption and the need for stringent anti-graft measures. The lawmakers’ decision to water down the anti-graft law at a time when they had criticized the anti-graft agency for alleged inaction further fueled public scrutiny and raised questions about their commitment to combating corruption.