Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt Moses Wetang’ula, has called on Members of Parliament to reinvigorate their commitment to integrity and efficiency as the 13th Parliament enters its final 23 months before the next election.
Speaking during the 3rd National Assembly Leadership Retreat in Mombasa, Wetang’ula emphasized the need for MPs to uphold public trust, citing rising concerns over allegations of bribery in legislative processes.
The speaker told the legislators that in order to deliver on the mandate given by people, they must be ready to ask the hard questions and introspect on where they have failed and where they can do better.
Wetangula emphasized the need for the Members of Parliament (MPs) to recognize that they hold positions of public trust and the authority and responsibility vested on them should only be exercised in the interest of the people.
“I want to re-emphasize the sacred calling of leadership. As leaders and members of this honorable House, we are bound by the responsibilities and guiding principles of leadership and integrity enshrined in Article 73 of the Constitution,” he said.
He reminded legislators of their constitutional duty to exercise leadership guided by integrity, accountability, and selfless service, noting that Parliament recently passed the Conflict-of-Interest Act, 2025, which imposes stricter rules on wealth declaration and curbs unethical practices.
The speaker said the Act establishes an enhanced wealth declaration model that requires Members of Parliament (MP) to submit wealth declarations on a biennial basis to the Parliamentary Power and Privileges Committee, under supervision of the EACC.
Wetangula also raised concern over quorum hitches, urging committee chairpersons and MPs to prioritize House business to avoid delays in lawmaking and oversight.
He noted that the house has in the recent past experienced quorum hitches even on priority business of the parliament whereas in some cases, the chairpersons of committees fail to move matters that fall under their mandate in parliament.
“A committee is as effective as its leader. It is paramount as chairpersons to ensure that whenever any other business falling under your committee is slated for consideration, you attend the House proceedings and also whip your committee members to attend,” added Wetangula.
He emphasized that for the house to deliver on its mandate, diligent attendance is key thus urging the MPs to strive and create a healthy balance between constituency duties and their roles and avoid causing unnecessary delays in transacting House business.
He commended Parliament’s efforts in entrenching the NG-CDF in the Constitution, describing it as a potential hallmark legacy of the 13th Parliament.
On public participation, Wetang’ula lauded recent innovations such as the use of social media, QR codes, and constituency-level hearings but stressed the need for a comprehensive legal framework to standardize the process.
He also faulted the House for neglecting reports from Commissions and Independent Offices, saying they should inform budgetary and legislative decisions.
He further noted that MPs will explore new areas of innovation, including the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and be briefed on matters of welfare such as pensions and post-service medical schemes.
By Chari Suche
