Lawyer Donald Kipkorir has criticised Kenya’s political system, alleging that some Members of Parliament aligned with the government are accumulating large sums of money through political brokerage, tenders and bribery.
In a statement, Kipkorir said he had spoken to an influential MP from Nyanza who claimed that pro-government legislators were “awash with money” linked to political dealings and procurement-related activities.
Kipkorir, however, did not name the legislator or provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
The claims come amid continued public debate over corruption, public procurement and the role of political influence in the management of state resources.
According to the lawyer, much of the alleged wealth is being kept by politicians or deposited in banks that he claimed have weak regulatory controls.
He argued that such practices limit the economic contribution of political leaders and undermine efforts to create employment and generate sustainable wealth.
“The only silver lining is weekend Harambees now raise millions,” Kipkorir said, pointing to the growing involvement of politicians in fundraising activities across the country.
He further questioned why MPs who allegedly accumulate substantial wealth through political networks are not investing in businesses capable of employing people or creating additional economic opportunities.
“None of the MPs is running any company that employs people or generates more wealth,” he said.
Kipkorir described the situation as a “sad indictment” of Kenya’s patronage-based political system, arguing that weak anti-corruption mechanisms have allowed political influence and access to public resources to become avenues for personal enrichment.
His remarks also touched on Kenya’s broader governance challenges, with the lawyer warning that continued patronage and inadequate accountability could undermine the country’s democratic and economic institutions.
He compared Kenya’s trajectory to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Nigeria, describing the country as increasingly resembling what he termed a “banana republic.”
Kipkorir nevertheless said Kenya has the potential to achieve stronger institutions and greater economic prosperity if leaders demonstrate the political will to address corruption and strengthen accountability.
“Kenya is capable of being a Denmark if we have the political will,” he said.