Kanduyi MP John Makali…Photo/IP
By Tim Wekesa.
BUNGOMA, Kenya
Kanduyi Member of Parliament John Makali, an advocate of the High Court and a member of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee has come out strongly to defend himself and his colleagues against allegations of corruption.
The response comes just days after President William Ruto publicly linked both the Senate and National Assembly to corruption rings, sparking a wave of mixed reactions among legislators.
Makali, whose committee was accused of receiving KSh10 million to push through a bill favorable to the president, dismissed the claims as baseless and malicious.
Speaking at Musikoma village while issuing empowerment funds to women, the MP said the accusations were calculated to smear reputations and weaken public trust in Parliament.
“These allegations are meant to torment us and tarnish our names so that we lose popularity,” Makali said.
“I have personally maintained integrity since birth, and dragging me into corruption without evidence is uncalled for.”
The lawyer-MP challenged those behind the allegations to provide proof and prosecute individuals directly implicated instead of casting what he described as “blanket condemnation” on entire committees.
“We shall be seeking legal redress to safeguard the dignity of our names,” he added.
Makali further defended the management of empowerment funds in Kanduyi, saying the constituency had been more transparent than others.
“We are glad that all groups are receiving the money, unlike the propaganda from our opponents who claimed we would fail,” he said.
On the broader debate, Makali emphasized that the National Assembly remains independent and should not be painted as an institution of corruption.
He urged that any lawmaker with integrity issues be held accountable on a personal level rather than tainting entire committees.
Ends.
