The sanctity of Kenya’s Parliament is under siege, not from external enemies, but from the very custodians of its power. Allegations have surfaced that the legislature has degenerated into a bustling marketplace where oversight is traded for envelopes of cash, rendering the fight against corruption a comedic charade.

Governors are now openly accusing senators of extortion, claiming that parliamentary committees are demanding bribes to sanitize audit reports. This is a damning indictment of an institution constitutionally mandated to be the watchdog of public resources. Instead of barking at thieves, the watchdog appears to be eating with them. The accusations echo President William Ruto`s own remarks from 2025, where he labeled Parliament a breeding ground for graft.

The Systemic Rot

The recurring nature of these claims suggests a systemic failure. When vetting or impeachment proceedings begin, the corridors of Parliament reportedly transform into auction floors. The implications are catastrophic for the common citizen:

• Eroded Trust: Public confidence in the Senate`s ability to protect devolution is at an all-time low.
• Stalled Development: Governors distracted by \"rent-seeking\" summonses are unable to focus on service delivery.
• Entrenched Impunity: If the oversight body is corrupt, there is no one left to police the plunder of county funds.

Demand for Accountability

The solution requires more than just tough talk. It demands a purge. Investigative agencies must stop treating Parliament as a sacred cow and launch independent probes into these bribery claims. Furthermore, there is a growing call for the periodic reconstitution of oversight committees to break the cozy syndicates that have formed between auditors and auditees.

\"Parliament is meant to be the people`s watchdog, not a marketplace where public accountability is auctioned to the highest bidder,\" asserts political commentator Elijah Ambasa. Until the House cleans its own halls, it remains the weakest link in Kenya`s integrity chain.