National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has called out a section of Members of Parliament for failing to attend House sessions.
Ichung’wah’s remarks came amid frustration over the absence of members whose questions were scheduled for response by Roads and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Hon. Davis Chirchir.
During a session on Wednesday, November 6, Ichung’wah read out the names of the absent MPs, stressing the importance of their attendance to fulfill their responsibilities.
Addressing the House, Ichung’wah urged committee leaders to prioritize their duties or step down from their leadership roles, hinting that impeachment could be an option if they continue to miss sessions.
“We need to reiterate the need for members to be in the House, especially chairpersons and vice chairpersons,” Ichung’wah stated. “If you are a chairperson or vice chairperson of a committee, you must be in the House at 2:30 p.m. Let me tell chairpersons from both sides of the House, if you’re a chairperson or vice chairperson of a committee, please take your work seriously.”
“If you don’t, we have another 280 members who can take those positions. If you don’t have time for the House, do the honorable thing. I’m not encouraging anyone to impeach anyone, but if need be, please impeach these chairpersons and vice chairpersons if they can’t be in the House.” He added,
Ichung’wah’s remarks come amid increasing concerns about the commitment of MPs to their parliamentary duties, with some leaders advocating for more accountability. His statements followed an afternoon session marked by the absence of several committee leaders, sparking debate over the consequences for MPs who neglect their roles.
In response, Deputy National Assembly Speaker Gladys Shollei echoed Ichung’wah’s concerns, revealing that some MPs had proposed replacing the absentee chairpersons. However, she clarified that any decision on the matter would await the return of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who is currently out of the country.
“What Kimani Ichung’wah has said is part of what was resolved during the leadership retreat in Mombasa. I know that members have actually proposed that those chairpersons be changed, but I’ll restrain myself from putting that question until the substantive speaker is in the chair,” Shollei stated.
