Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has cast doubts on President William Ruto’s Conflict of Interest law , describing it as a symbolic gesture with no serious impact. Senator Dan Maanzo responded to the signing into law of the Conflict of Interest Bill and the now-viral prayer led by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chair David Oginde. The bishop had called on God to “scatter the schemes of corrupt leaders” as Ruto signed the bill at State House Nairobi a day earlier on thursday. Senator Maanzo dismissed the move, saying legal reforms without enforcement would not stop looting.
“We already have enough laws to deal with corruption,” Senator Mannzo said. “This law will be bypassed just like the others. It’s just a statement to please donors. Once the money hits the accounts, it disappears into private pockets.”
The Conflict of Interest Act is intended to replace the Public Officer Ethics Act and consolidate all legal provisions against misuse of public office. It gives the EACC expanded powers to monitor compliance and enforce asset disclosures by public officers and their families.
Senator Dan Maanzo argued that such laws remain ineffective when powerful individuals act with impunity. “This is a law on paper,” he said. “It won’t solve anything unless there’s political will to prosecute those stealing from the public.”
The senator pointed to inflated government budgets, specifically questioning the Ksh104 billion allocated to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). He said technical experts had estimated a much lower cost for the system’s infrastructure.
“Why are we spending over Ksh100 billion when the same can be built for a few million?” Senator Maanzo said. “It shows that the real problem isn’t funding it’s theft.”
Senator Maanzo further claimed that government spending continues to benefit a small network of insiders, while the majority of Kenyans face rising costs of living and weak service delivery.
In response to criticism of inaction, President Ruto has insisted his administration is serious about rooting out corruption and has backed the new law as a game-changer in restoring integrity in public service.
“This law gives us the teeth to stop conflict of interest in public service and hold people accountable,” President Ruto said during the signing ceremony.
Senator Maanzo remained unconvinced, warning that corruption will persist unless enforcement agencies act independently and prosecutions are followed through.
“The prayer at State House made headlines, but prayers alone won’t stop theft,” Senator Maanzo said. “We need prosecutions, convictions, and a change in how public money is handled.”
The debate over Kenya’s anti-corruption agenda continues as the government faces growing pressure to show results, not just rhetoric, in its fight against graft.
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