EACC asked to probe MPs over sugar report bribery

Members of Parliament may have been bribed to reject the report on the importation of illegal and contaminated sugar into the country, a report by the National Assembly committee on Powers and Privileges says.

The report tabled Tuesday indicates it is apparent that some MPs may have been involved in some forms of impropriety and the committee has invited the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Director of Criminal Investigations(DCI) to look into the allegations of bribery of some lawmakers.

The report did not name MPs who allegedly received the bribe pointing out that none of the 15 witnesses who appeared before it tabled any evidence of having seen any of their colleagues receiving or bribing to reject the report.

“There might have been bribery of members of the National Assembly to reject the report on the importation of alleged illegal and contaminated sugar into the country. Based on the oral submissions by the witnesses, it is apparent that some members may have been involved in some forms of impropriety,” reads the report.

The report, however, states a review and examination of the footage of the National Assembly proceedings on August 9, by the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit (PBU) did not reveal any exchange of envelopes or money in the chambers as claimed by the MP Didmas Barasa. According to the report, the CCTV cameras did also not cover the members’ dining lounges in the new wing and the toilets where the bribery was alleged to have taken place.

Lawmakers who appeared before the committee include Kimilili's Didmas Barasa, James K’Oyoo (Muhoroni), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Nominated MP Geoffrey Osotsi, Simba Arati (Dagoretti North), John Waluke (Sirisia) Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi,Geoffrey Odanga (Matayos) and Rehab Mukami (Nyeri).

Ms Gedi was adversely mentioned by Mr Barasa as the person who was bribing members to reject the report. Ms Gedi denied the allegations.