Kenya’s Parliament is once again at the center of public debate after United Opposition Youth Chair Ken Babu launched a fierce criticism of the institution, accusing it of being deeply corrupted.
Babu did not mince his words as he described the House as a crime scene, claiming that the rot inside has reached such a level that even some of those involved in questionable deals are beginning to feel the weight of their actions.
His remarks have resonated with many Kenyans who have long expressed frustration with what they see as unchecked misuse of public office.
According to Babu, Parliament has strayed from its original role of representing the people’s interests and safeguarding democracy. Instead, he said, it has been overtaken by leaders who are more focused on enriching themselves than addressing the challenges facing citizens.
He argued that corruption has grown so bold that impunity is now displayed openly, leaving little room for trust between the public and their representatives.
This, he warned, poses a serious danger to governance and undermines the very foundation of democracy.
Babu described the level of greed within Parliament as overwhelming, pointing out that even those who have thrived on corrupt practices are now uneasy.
He noted that corruption inside the chambers has gone unpunished for too long, giving space for cartels and networks of selfish leaders to thrive at the expense of development.
For him, this is not just a political issue but a crisis that directly affects ordinary citizens struggling with unemployment, high costs of living, and widening inequality.
He further lamented that the people had entrusted their leaders with power to serve, not to exploit, but this trust has been betrayed in the worst possible way.
Parliament, once considered the guardian of accountability, now symbolizes the very corruption it was meant to fight.
Unless urgent reforms are taken, Babu warned, corruption will continue to cripple governance, stall progress, and deepen the suffering of millions of Kenyans.
His remarks come at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship, heavy taxation, and growing inequality.
Civil society groups and citizens have also been raising concerns about questionable deals and misuse of public funds in the House, echoing Babu’s strong sentiments.
He concluded his statement by calling on youth and reform-minded leaders to take action, insisting that change is possible if people refuse to normalize corruption. To him, the struggle is not only about naming and shaming corrupt leaders but about reclaiming Parliament and restoring it to the people it was meantto serve.
