A non-profit organisation has thrown its weight behind President William Ruto’s decision to reject the controversial Conflict of Interest Bill, hailing it as a courageous move to uphold ethical governance and safeguard public resources.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC-Kenya) praised the President for returning the Bill to Parliament for reconsideration, specifically opposing a contentious clause that would have permitted the spouses of public officials to conduct business with the government. According to AFOSC-Kenya Executive Director Mohamed Sheikh, such a provision would have severely undermined efforts to combat corruption.
“Sheikh said the clause posed a serious threat to transparency and accountability, opening the floodgates for favoritism and backdoor dealings. ‘This move signals true leadership and a commitment to protecting the public interest,’ he said. ‘The attempted weakening of the Bill by the Senate would have undermined years of progress in strengthening integrity within public service.’”
President Ruto has maintained that while the Bill broadly tackles the issue of conflict of interest, certain provisions fall short of the expectations of Kenyans, especially in the fight against corruption. He urged Parliament to exhibit leadership and refine the legislation to ensure that it truly aligns with the values enshrined in the Constitution—integrity, transparency, and good governance.
“I expect both Houses of Parliament to exercise leadership in making sure we get a piece of law that helps us manage and eventually eliminate matters corruption, that in many cases come as a result of conflict of interest by public officials who serve not the public, but their interests,” said Ruto.
AFOSC-Kenya has called on Parliament to restore the original intent of the Bill and strengthen it further to promote sustainable development, equity, and accountability. The lobby reiterated its support for all Kenyans demanding an ethical and responsive government.
“AFOSC stands with all Kenyans demanding a more ethical government. Together, we can build systems that serve the people—not personal interests,” said Sheikh.
The Bill will now undergo fresh scrutiny in Parliament, with eyes on legislators to ensure the final version reflects the country’s anti-corruption goals.
