Senate in Turmoil as Onyonka Lifts Lid on Secret Bribe Talks Between Governors and Powerful Committees

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has ignited a political storm after making shocking claims about how Senate oversight allegedly works behind closed doors. In a radio interview, the outspoken lawmaker said corruption has become deeply rooted in key Senate committees. He claimed governors under audit often arrive not just with documents, but with cash offers. According to him, some county bosses are willing to pay millions to escape tough questions. His words have sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political class.

Onyonka alleged that bribe offers can range from a few million shillings to as much as KSh10 million. The aim, he said, is simple. Silence the committee. He claimed the money is meant to soften audit reports and erase damaging findings. In his telling, the numbers change depending on the size of the scandal. The more serious the theft, the higher the price. He also admitted he had been offered smaller amounts himself. However, he insisted he never altered his official decisions because of the money.

The senator further revealed that these dealings do not happen in public offices. He said some governors arrange meetings in hotels, private rooms, and even building basements. These meetings allegedly happen before governors appear before Senate committees. The goal is to reach a deal in advance. Onyonka said such behavior raises serious questions. If a governor is clean, why offer money at all? That is the puzzle he put before Kenyans.

His claims come as the Council of Governors is locked in a fierce standoff with the Senate. The council has accused some senators of using audit sessions to extort county leaders. They claim intimidation and political pressure have replaced fair oversight. The governors have even threatened to boycott summons until the matter is addressed.

Several senators were named in the dispute. Among them is Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. He has strongly denied all accusations. Sifuna says he has never taken money from any governor. He insists his record is clean. He has also threatened legal action, saying the claims amount to defamation.

As the drama unfolds, Kenyans are left watching a rare power struggle. It pits those meant to watch public money against those who spend it. The truth, many hope, will soon come out.