Kenya’s National Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, has issued a bold warning to absentee committee leaders, hinting at potential impeachment for persistent nonattendance. The warning comes as the National Assembly resumed sessions following a month-long recess, spotlighting what appears to be a recurring problem absenteeism among committee chairpersons and vice-chairpersons.
During a recent House session, Ichung’wah voiced his frustration with committee leaders who fail to appear for House business, particularly those scheduled to field questions from various Cabinet Secretaries. Roads and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Hon. Davis Chirchir was among those present to address concerns from members, but due to the absence of some committee leaders, questions went unanswered, delaying legislative progress. Ichung’wah’s firm message to the National Assembly indicated that repeat absenteeism would not be tolerated, with impeachment as a possible recourse.
Frustration Over Attendance Issues
Ichung’wah’s concerns underscore a deeper issue within Kenya’s parliamentary proceedings: quorum failures and absenteeism, which delay the legislative agenda. Kenya’s Constitution under Article 121 mandates a minimum quorum of fifty members in the National Assembly and fifteen in the Senate. With over sixty committee chairs and vice-chairs, Ichung’wah noted that attaining a quorum should be manageable. Yet, despite sufficient leadership, the National Assembly struggled with attendance as members trickled in.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss had to order the quorum bell rung due to low attendance, which underscored Ichung’wah’s point. “We only need 50 members to conduct business,” Ichung’wah said, pointing out that a lack of quorum is particularly troubling when the Assembly’s leadership ranks exceed seventy. The Kikuyu legislator reminded the House that committee leaders have a heightened responsibility as facilitators of House business.
The Consequences of Absentee Leadership
Absenteeism among committee leaders has direct consequences, as committee chairs and vice-chairs are pivotal in liaising between the executive and the legislature. Their absence leads to delays in responding to members’ questions, particularly those directed at Cabinet Secretaries, hampering the legislative agenda. “If you’re a chair or vice-chair, take your role seriously,” Ichung’wah said, adding that there are “280 other members ready to take on these responsibilities” should absentee leaders continue to neglect their duties.
The Majority Leader’s statements were bolstered by comments from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who, during a recent leadership retreat in Naivasha, reiterated the essential role committee leaders play in the Assembly’s function. Wetang’ula emphasized the privileges enjoyed by committee leaders, which include additional compensation and travel allowances. “The least you can do in return is to consistently attend House sessions and actively push forward parliamentary business,” Wetang’ula stated, urging committee leaders to fulfill their roles with diligence.
A Season of Accountability
With only four weeks remaining until the National Assembly enters its long recess, Ichung’wah’s comments indicate a shift toward greater accountability among committee leaders. “If you don’t have time for the House, do the honorable thing,” he remarked, echoing sentiments shared by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who described the period as a “season of impeachment.” Ichung’wah clarified that he is not actively advocating for impeachment but emphasized that those who repeatedly neglect their responsibilities should be prepared to face the consequences.
A Call for Renewed Commitment
Ichung’wah’s statements serve as a clarion call for committee leaders to uphold their responsibilities, a duty tied not only to their roles but also to the privilege they hold as leaders. The commitment of committee leaders to attend House sessions is crucial in maintaining the integrity of Kenya’s legislative process and ensuring that the Assembly can effectively represent citizens’ concerns.
The warning also highlights the National Assembly’s dependence on committee leaders, who form the backbone of the legislative process. These leaders are responsible for facilitating responses from Cabinet Secretaries and steering discussions on critical legislative issues. By failing to attend sessions, absentee leaders not only disrupt proceedings but also disregard the confidence placed in them by their constituents and the National Assembly.
The Implications of Impeachment Threats
The potential threat of impeachment marks a notable shift in Kenya’s political landscape, signaling that accountability will be enforced among those in leadership positions. The reminder that committee leaders could be replaced underscores a push for active engagement and signals that leadership roles in the National Assembly will be closely scrutinized.
This period of heightened scrutiny provides an opportunity for the National Assembly to solidify a culture of accountability and transparency. Ichung’wah’s call for discipline among committee leaders, coupled with Speaker Wetang’ula’s emphasis on the importance of attendance, is likely to resonate beyond the current session and may encourage a reevaluation of what is expected from those in public service roles.
In summary, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah’s stern warning to committee chairs and vice-chairs reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to tackling absenteeism and ensuring that Kenya’s legislative process functions efficiently. As the House approaches its long recess, the message is clear: committee leaders must meet their obligations, or they may face impeachment. With Ichung’wah’s statements and Speaker Wetang’ula’s support, the National Assembly is poised for a period of accountability that underscores the significance of active and present leadership in serving the nation.
