The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed as fake a press release claiming that Kenya’s Parliament faces imminent dissolution.
IEBC Calls Out Fake Memo
In a statement shared on Wednesday, IEBC warned Kenyans not to spread the fabricated notice. The document had suggested that the Supreme Court was reviewing a petition that could lead to Parliament’s dissolution.
The fake release further alleged that if the Chief Justice approved such a move, IEBC would conduct fresh elections for all parliamentary seats instead of holding by-elections.
IEBC urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify information before circulating it online.
Rising Tension Between Ruto and Parliament
The controversy comes amid growing friction between President William Ruto and Members of Parliament.
In recent days, Ruto accused lawmakers of taking bribes to influence laws. Speaking on Monday at a joint meeting of Kenya Kwanza and ODM legislators, he said the problem was especially rampant at the committee level.
He singled out some senators, alleging they had pocketed Ksh150 million to sway decisions.
“They are collecting money in the name of Parliament, and sometimes that money never gets to Parliament. Instead, it ends up in the pockets of a few individuals. We are not going to shame them; we are going to apprehend them.”
— President William Ruto
The President went further, claiming that some MPs received Ksh10 million each to push through the Anti-Money Laundering Bill.
Senate Pushback
His remarks angered the Senate Public Accounts Committee, which demanded he table evidence. Senators insisted that unsubstantiated claims risked undermining the credibility of Parliament.
New Anti-Corruption Team Stalled in Court
On Tuesday, Ruto formed the Multi-Agency Team on War Against Graft (MAT). The unit included representatives from the NIS, EACC, ODPP, and DCI. He tasked them with intensifying the war on corruption.
However, on Wednesday, the High Court suspended MAT following a petition.
Nakuru surgeon Magare Gikenyi, alongside three petitioners, argued that Ruto overstepped his powers by creating the team. They asked the court to declare the body unlawful, irregular, and unconstitutional.